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Hattusa

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historical-site
—°4
Hattusa (Turkey)

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Hattusa served as the magnificent capital of the Hittite Empire, located near the modern village of Boğazkale in central Anatolia's Çorum province. The city reached its zenith during the 14th and 13th centuries BC, standing as one of the most powerful political hubs of the Late Bronze Age. The extensive ruins are enclosed by a massive six-kilometer fortification wall, featuring monumental entrances such as the Lion Gate and the King's Gate. A key architectural highlight is the Great Temple, dedicated to the storm god Teshub and the sun goddess. Thousands of cuneiform tablets were discovered in the royal archives, including the famous Kadesh Peace Treaty, the world's oldest known written peace accord. The city's fall around 1200 BC signaled the end of Hittite dominance in the region. Hattusa has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986, offering invaluable insights into Hittite urban planning and monumental stonework.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1151015192323191361
Rain mm564049445849121222314153

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Hattusa is a vast open-air archaeological site that can be explored mostly on foot. Some areas, like the Lion Gate and temple ruins, are freely accessible, while others may be closed for safety.
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Typical hours
The archaeological site is usually open from sunrise to sunset, with exact hours varying by season. Arrive early to avoid heat and crowds.
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Photography
Photography is allowed across the entire site for personal use. Drone usage may require a permit, so please inquire on site.
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Time needed
Allow at least three to four hours for a thorough visit of the site. Those wanting to see all monuments and temples can easily spend half a day.
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Combine with
Combine Hattusa with the nearby Hittite rock sanctuary of Yazılıkaya. The modern town of Boğazkale with its museum is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
Hattusa is about an hour's drive from the city of Çorum and is best reached by rental car. A well-maintained path from the entrance parking leads to the main ruins.
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Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is little shade on site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes since the paths are rocky and uneven.

Geography

Coordinates
40.01900, 34.61500

Facts

  • Hattusa was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1986.
  • The city's fortification walls span a distance of over 6 kilometers.
  • The Kadesh Treaty, signed in 1258 BC, was discovered in the archives.
  • Over 30,000 cuneiform tablets have been unearthed at the site.
  • The Lion Gate features two massive stone lions as symbolic guardians.
  • The Hittite capital was largely abandoned and burned around 1200 BC.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Hattusa (4)

Yazılıkaya🏺 historical

An open-air Hittite rock sanctuary featuring impressive stone reliefs of gods and kings.

Hattusa🏺 historical

The ancient capital of the Hittite Empire, now an extensive archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nişantaş🏺 historical

An archaeological site in Hattusa featuring a large rock with Hittite inscriptions.

Boğazköy-Alacahöyük National Park🌿 nature

This national park protects the historical remains of the Hittite capital and its natural surroundings.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How is the best way to explore Hattusa?
Best by private car, as the site is very extensive.
Are there entrance fees?
Yes, an entrance fee is charged, which usually also covers Yazılıkaya.
What is Yazılıkaya?
A spectacular rock sanctuary with reliefs, just a few kilometers from Hattusa.
Is the site family-friendly?
Yes, but it requires a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is important.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring or early autumn due to more pleasant temperatures.
Hattusa: where is it located?
Hattusa is located in Turkey.
Hattusa: what is there to see?
Highlights include Yazılıkaya, Hattusa, Nişantaş.
Hattusa: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Hattusa: why is it worth visiting?
Hattusa served as the magnificent capital of the Hittite Empire, located near the modern village of Boğazkale in central Anatolia's Çorum province.
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