Hattusa (Hattuşa),Turkey

Local history and myth surround Hattusa and the Hittites: the city's name connects to the indigenous Hatti people, and Hittite myths speak of storm gods, all-powerful kings and foundation legends associated with rulers such as Hattusili I and Telepinu. The open-air sanctuary of Yazılıkaya features rock reliefs that are often interpreted as a mythic procession of gods—an important piece of sacred narrative imagery for the Hittites.

• Great City Walls and Gates (including the Lion Gate and King's Gate) - massive carved gateways and fortifications that define Hattusa's urban plan.
• Royal Citadel and Palaces - the remains of administrative and residential complexes for Hittite royalty and officials.
• Yazılıkaya Rock Sanctuary - open-air rock chambers with detailed Hittite reliefs of gods and mythic scenes, a short drive from the main site.
• Temple Districts - ruins of the Great Temple and other cult buildings showing the city's religious life.
• Orthostats and Reliefs - stone slabs and carvings with iconography and inscriptions.
• Boğazkale Archaeological Museum - nearby museum in the modern town of Boğazkale housing artifacts and cuneiform finds from Hattusa.

• Extensive cuneiform archives (tablets) discovered in the royal archives—key to reconstructing Hittite law, treaties and history.
• A distinctive urban layout with citadels, sacred precincts, and concentric defensive walls.
• Yazılıkaya’s rock reliefs, carved in situ, provide rare direct visual evidence of Hittite religious cosmology.
• Panoramic views across the Anatolian plateau from the citadel and walls.
• Archaeological layers spanning centuries offering insight into Bronze Age city planning and craftsmanship.

• Guided and self-guided walks around the ruins to explore gates, walls, palaces and temples.
• Visit the Boğazkale Archaeological Museum for artifacts and context before or after touring the site.
• Day trip to Yazılıkaya to study the rock reliefs and enjoy short hikes between rock chambers.
• Photography of monumental gates, reliefs and panoramic landscapes.
• Attend seasonal archaeological tours or lectures (when available) and visit ongoing excavation areas if open to the public.

• Periodic local cultural events in Boğazkale celebrating Hittite heritage (dates vary).
• Occasional archaeological open-days, conferences or special exhibitions at local museums or universities.
• Regional cultural festivals in Çorum Province that may feature Hittite-themed programs (seasonal and variable).

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) for mild temperatures, fewer crowds and comfortable walking conditions.

Continental climate: hot, dry summers (July–August) with strong sun; cold winters (December–February) often with snow. Shoulder seasons are most comfortable for exploring the site.

Fees and opening hours change periodically—check current information before travel. As a general guide, the archaeological site and Yazılıkaya typically open during daylight hours; the Boğazkale Museum has separate opening times and ticketing.

Nearest town: Boğazkale (a few kilometres from the site). Nearest major airport: Ankara Esenboğa (roughly 200–230 km by road). Travel options: rental car or regional buses to Boğazkale; private transfers or organized tours are recommended for convenience. Terrain is uneven with steps and rocky paths—limited wheelchair access and uneven surfaces call for sturdy footwear.

Plan half a day to a full day at Hattusa to cover major gates, the palace areas and temple districts; add another half day for Yazılıkaya and the Boğazkale Museum. An overnight stay in Boğazkale or nearby Çorum is convenient for relaxed exploration.

Wear sturdy walking shoes, sun hat, sunscreen and layered clothing for temperature swings. Bring water, snacks and a daypack. A flashlight can help in shaded or lower-light archaeological areas.

Try local Central Anatolian dishes in Boğazkale and Çorum (e.g., regional kebabs, pastries and gözleme). Souvenirs include replica Hittite reliefs and seals, pottery, books on Hittite history, and locally made handicrafts available in town.