History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Hattusa, the capital of the Hittite Empire, known as the 'City of a Thousand Gods' between the 17th and 13th centuries BC, is one of the most magnificent archaeological monuments of human history, which has been on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List since 1986. The Lion Gate at the southwest gate, which protects the upper walls of the city, was considered the sacred guard that protected the city against evil with its majestic lion statues carved into giant blocks of limestone in the 14th century BC. The 71-meter-long Yerkapı poterni (stone-mesh secret tunnel) at the highest point of the city was used for secret huruç movements and religious holiday rituals during ancient sieges. This sacred capital, where the cuneiform Kadesh Peace Treaty tablets are located, is the birthplace of world diplomacy. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
Hattusa ruins were founded on a sloping rocky plateau between 1,050 meters and 1,250 meters altitude. In the area surrounded by the Budaközü Stream canyon, there are karst cliffs, oak groves and Hittite temple foundations. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:T.R. Subject to the ticket tariff of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; Museum card is valid.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): Open 7 days a week between 08:30 - 19:00 in the summer season and 08:30 - 17:00 in the winter season.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: There is a 6 km asphalt vehicle and sightseeing route within the ruins; You can get around by car. Yerkapı stairs are steep so you should walk carefully.•Facilities and Facilities:There is a museum visitor reception centre, souvenir shops, guidance service, parking lot, WC and cafeteria. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Hisar Mahallesi, Hattusa Ören Yeri Mevkii, Boğazkale / Çorum.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is 82 km from Çorum center and 200 km from Ankara; Çorum-Sungurlu-Boğazkale highway is completely asphalt and is suitable for all vehicles.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can directly reach the entrance of the ruins with Boğazkale municipal minibuses, which depart from Sungurlu District Bus Terminal every hour.•Parking Availability:There is a large parking area for 150 vehicles at the entrance of the ruins and in the Yerkapı parking area. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:Wide angle shot in front of the giant limestone lions of the Lion Gate and the gate exit of the 71-meter dark Yerkapı stone tunnel opening into daylight.•Light and Shooting Times:The angled light moments when the sun hits the reliefs in the early morning and late afternoon.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:After the visit, casserole, village ayran and tandoori buns should be consumed with Hittite bread in Boğazkale village restaurants.