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The Hittite capital: Hattusa, Yazılıkaya and Alacahöyük
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Editor's route Legendary experiences Season: April–October is best (open all year)

Capital of the Hittites: Hattusa, Yazılıkaya and Alacahöyük

A day in the capital of a 3,000-year-old empire, among lion gates and underground tunnels. Hattusa at Boğazkale and the nearby rock sanctuary of Yazılıkaya are UNESCO World Heritage Sites; on the way back, the Sphinx Gate of Alacahöyük.

Duration1 days (by car)
Distance≈ 70 km by road
Stop3
Tickets0
AP

AnatoliaPass editorsTürkiye's legendary experiences · last checked 22 October 2026

Know before you go: transport and safety
  • The site is very large; drive round the 6 km inner road and get out at the main points. Do not climb on the walls.

Things to experience at least once in Türkiye: the Eastern Express and the train to Lake Van, sunrise on Mount Nemrut, the Lycian Way, a Blue Cruise, the sunken city of Kekova, the Hittite capital, Selimiye and Kırkpınar, and skiing on Erciyes and Palandöken. We don't sell train, boat or ski tickets; each route links to the official sales channel. Places where seasons and hours may change carry a "check before you go" notice.

Getting there / tickets: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism · museums and archaeological sites

AnatoliaPass does not sell these tickets; we send you to the official sales channel. Check prices and departure days there before you go.

Make your own version
  1. 1

    Hattusa · Lion Gate and Yer Kapı

    Start: Boğazkale · stay 150 min

    The Lion Gate in the city walls, Yer Kapı (the Sphinx Gate) with a 70-metre tunnel beneath it, and the King's Gate; the Great Temple below.

    Hattusa · Lion Gate and Yer Kapı
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Hours and prices change with the season; check with the official source before you go.

  2. 2

    Yazılıkaya open-air sanctuary

    ≈ 5 min by car · stay 45 min

    A procession of Hittite gods carved into the rock; the most important reliefs of Hittite art.

    Yazılıkaya open-air sanctuary
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Hours and prices change with the season; check with the official source before you go.

  3. 3

    Alacahöyük

    ≈ 35 min by car · stay 75 min

    A mound known for its Sphinx Gate and pre-Hittite royal tombs; it has a small museum.

    Alacahöyük
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Hours and prices change with the season; check with the official source before you go.

One more day? Bursa.

Outside Istanbul

≈ 2 h 15 min · fast ferry + bus · Day trip

Why here: The first Ottoman capital. The Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and Koza Han make an easy day trip; we suggest it if you are staying in Istanbul for more than four days. Not part of this route.

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