Hattusa
The Hittite capital spreads across a dramatic fortified landscape of monumental gates, temples, royal buildings, and rock sanctuaries.
Photo: Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany · CC BY-SA 2.0
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- Country
- Türkiye
- Region
- Çorum Province
- Civilisation
- Hittite
- Period
- 17th–13th centuries BCE
- UNESCO
- World Heritage ↗
Through time
The story
Hattusa, also Hattuşa, Ḫattuša, Hattusas, or Hattusha, was the capital of the Hittite Empire in the late Bronze Age during two distinct periods. Its ruins lie near to modern Boğazkale, Turkey (originally Boğazköy), within the great loop of the Kızılırmak River (Hittite: Marashantiya; Greek: Halys).
French archeologist Charles Texier brought attention to the ruins after his visit in 1834. Over the following century, sporadic exploration occurred, involving different archaeologists. The German Oriental Society and the German Archaeological Institute began systematic excavations in the early 20th century, which continue to this day. Hattusa was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1986.
Adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What you will see
- Lion Gate
- Great Temple
- Yazılıkaya
Before you go
- Check opening hours and ticket rules shortly before your visit — they change seasonally.
- Plan for the heat. Most ancient sites have little shade; go early or late.
- Respect the barriers. Fragile surfaces are protected for the next visitors.
Discoveries from Hattusa
No discoveries yet. Be the first to share a photo from here.