Yazılıkaya

Historic Site in Ankara

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Francesco Bandarin

Set among the rugged limestone cliffs just outside Boğazkale, Yazılıkaya is a place where mythology meets the landscape. This open-air rock sanctuary, used by the Hittites over 3,000 years ago, feels as though time itself has paused. The intricate reliefs of gods, kings, and sacred rituals still stand etched into the stone, making this one of the best places to go on a day trip from Boğazkale for anyone seeking a connection to the deep past of Anatolia.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
How to Get There
Practical Tips
Is Yazılıkaya Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

Yazılıkaya, meaning “Inscribed Rock,” served as a sacred site for the Hittite Empire, particularly during the reign of King Tudhaliya IV in the 13th century BCE. The sanctuary was used for religious ceremonies tied to the Hittite New Year and dedicated to the chief deities Teshub and Hebat. The reliefs depict over sixty gods, goddesses, and mythical beings marching across the rock face in two grand chambers — an awe-inspiring visual record of the Hittite pantheon.

Archaeologists believe the site functioned both as a temple and a royal memorial, symbolizing the cosmic order that bound heaven, earth, and the underworld. Standing before these carvings, it's easy to imagine priests and rulers gathering here to honor their gods amid the natural grandeur of the Anatolian plateau.

Things to See and Do

The sanctuary consists of two main chambers: Chamber A and Chamber B. Chamber A is the larger and features an impressive procession of deities led by the storm god Teshub and the sun goddess Hebat. Chamber B, often quieter and more atmospheric, may have been dedicated to the royal cult and features the striking figure of King Tudhaliya IV embraced by the god Sharruma.

Wandering through the narrow passageways between the rock faces is an unforgettable experience — one that reveals the Hittites' deep connection to both religion and nature. Yazılıkaya is one of the top sights in Boğazkale, often visited after exploring the ruins of nearby Hattusa.

How to Get There

Yazılıkaya lies just 2 kilometers northeast of the Hattusa ruins and about 4 kilometers from the town of Boğazkale. You can easily reach it by car, on foot, or by joining a guided tour that includes both sites. Many visitors choose to walk from Hattusa, enjoying the peaceful rural scenery along the way — a route that adds a sense of pilgrimage to the experience.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: April to October for warm, dry weather
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €2–€3 (combined ticket often available with Hattusa)
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM (summer); shorter in winter
Official website: muze.gov.tr
How long to spend: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Accessibility: Uneven paths and rock steps; moderate mobility required
Facilities: Ticket booth, small parking area, rest benches
Photography tip: Late afternoon light enhances the relief details beautifully
Guided tours: Combine with Hattusa for full context
Nearby food options: Cafes and local restaurants in Boğazkale town

Is Yazılıkaya Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt. Yazılıkaya is one of those places that captures the imagination and spirit of ancient Anatolia. The carvings are remarkably well preserved, and the setting among rocks and open sky adds an almost mystical quality to the visit. Whether you're an archaeology enthusiast or simply love destinations steeped in history, Yazılıkaya offers an unforgettable experience — both visually and emotionally.

Nearby Attractions

Hattusa – The vast ruins of the Hittite capital, with monumental gates and temples
Alacahöyük – Another important Hittite site with the famous Sphinx Gate
Boğazkale Museum – Displays artifacts from Yazılıkaya and the surrounding area
Çorum Museum – A regional collection featuring Hittite treasures and royal tomb finds

Yazılıkaya may be carved in stone, but it remains alive with ancient stories — a window into a civilization that once ruled the heart of Anatolia and left its gods forever watching over these timeless rocks.

The Yazılıkaya appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ankara!

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