Boğazköy-Alacahöyük National Park, in north-central Turkey’s Çorum Province, encompasses some of Anatolia’s richest Bronze-Age heritage. Established in 1988, it covers roughly 2,600 hectares. The park actually consists of two separate archaeological zones about 25 km apart: one surrounds the ancient Hittite capital Hattuşa (at modern Boğazköy) with the nearby Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary, and the other protects the tell of Alacahöyük near Alaca. This juxtaposition reflects a deep historical tapestry: Hattuşa (Bogazköy) was the imperial seat of the Hittites, while Alacahöyük was an earlier Neolithic and Early Bronze Age settlement famed for its “royal” tombs and cultic monuments. Today the park’s terraced hills, massive stone gateways, open-air museums and small visitor facilities offer a detailed glimpse of these layers of Anatolian history. The surrounding Central Anatolian landscape – dry steppes interspersed with pine and juniper groves – adds ecological interest. Together, natural and human histories are formally protected: the entire area is managed under a national park decree that “guarantees archaeological, historical, cultural and natural values are protected together to sustain the Outstanding Universal Value” of the site.

The park’s dramatic vistas – the ruins of sun-baked city walls against pine-studded ridges – have long captivated scholars and travelers. The ruins date from early antiquity: the unbroken stratigraphy at Alacahöyük begins in the Chalcolithic (Copper Age) and spans into the Roman and Ottoman eras, while Hattuşa’s history reaches back to the 3rd millennium BCE and extends through its heyday as Hittite capital (~c.1650–1200 BCE) into later periods. Both sites saw systematic excavations in the 20th century, producing thousands of finds. Today visitors can wander open-air ruins, see monumental gateways carved with lions and sphinxes, and visit on-site museums displaying pottery, bronze implements and gold jewelry from the royal tombs. This guide reviews the park’s history, archaeology and setting; details its key sights; and provides practical advice on visiting.

Boğazköy-Alacahöyük National Park protects two major archaeological sites of the ancient Hittite world. The Hattuşa (Bogazkale) sector preserves the ruined walls and gates of the Hittite capital, while the Alacahöyük sector (right) preserves a Bronze-Age sanctuary and royal tombs. Sunlight often illuminates these split-stone ruins in the high plateau air. Environmental protection ensures that modern development is kept at bay, allowing visitors to experience the setting much as it was in antiquity.

Historical Context & Archaeological Significance

Ancient Occupation Layers. Both Boğazköy (Hattuşa) and Alacahöyük show traces of continuous settlement across millennia. Excavations at Alacahöyük have identified 14 distinct occupation layers: the deepest are late Chalcolithic (c.5500–3000 BCE), layers 9–14; above these lie Early Bronze Age levels (layers 5–8, including the famed Royal Tombs of ca. 2500–2000 BCE); and layers 2–4 belong to the Hittite period. Hittite-era Alacahöyük was a fortified town complete with monumental gates (including the Sphinx Gate) and palace-temple complexes. By contrast, the earliest Hattuşa layers trace back to the Late Chalcolithic and early Bronze Age, with continuous occupation through the Hittite empire and beyond. Charred destruction layers reveal that Hattuşa was burned around 1700 BCE (possibly by the semi-legendary King Anitta of Kussara) but quickly rebuilt. Over time both tells were repeatedly rebuilt or expanded, meaning that the ruins visible today are essentially those of the Middle and Late Bronze Age cities, atop much older foundations.

Bronze-Age Royal Tombs at Alacahöyük. Among the earliest and most spectacular finds here are the royal tombs of Alacahöyük. Early 20th-century excavators uncovered multiple chamber tombs dated to the early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BCE). Each tomb, built of stone with a wooden-beam roof, contained lavish grave goods. Archaeologists found gold and electrum jewelry, bronze and copper weapons, and symbolic artifacts – notably the so-called “sun discs” – among the treasures. Indeed, at least 13 of these Bronze-Age tombs contained decorated bronze sun disks, an Anatolian solar symbol of very early vintage. These finds attest to the high status of a local ruling class in the pre-Hittite period. The discovery of bull- and stag-headed pole finials (processional standards) and sculpted stone stelae suggests royal or sacred functions for these tombs. Today many of the most significant artifacts from those tombs are conserved in museums (for example, Ankara’s Anatolian Civilization Museum). Alacahöyük’s excavators (famously, H. Koşay and R. Arık under Atatürk’s patronage) emphasized that these tombs revealed “considerable local wealth and achievement even before the time of the Hittites”.

Rise of the Hittite Empire. By the mid-2nd millennium BCE, Hattuşa (Boğazkale) became the center of the Hittite empire. According to Hittite records and archaeological finds, King Labarna (Hattusili I) moved the Hittite capital from Neşa (Kültepe) to Hattuşa around 1650 BCE. From then until the empire’s collapse c.1200 BCE, Hattuşa served as the imperial seat (with occasional absences during certain reigns). The city’s prosperity is reflected in its monumental architecture and archives of cuneiform tablets (many from the royal palace and temples). Hattuşa at its peak covered roughly 1.8 km² within massive walls. Writing of the site’s significance today, UNESCO notes that Hattuşa’s temples, palaces, archives and necropoleis “provide a comprehensive picture of a Hittite capital” and are testimony to the civilization’s achievements. When struck by the Late Bronze Age collapse, the Hittite empire disintegrated, but Hattuşa was later reoccupied in Hellenistic and Roman times (though on a much smaller scale).

Hattuşa: Capital of the Hittite Empire

Hattuşa (ancient “Ḫattušaş”, modern Boğazkale) occupies two adjoining high hills on the southern rim of a plateau (the Budaközü Plain). A 300–400 m-high outcrop rising above the Kızılırmak (Halys) River valley, it is neatly divided by a narrow creek (Kızlarkayası) into a western “Lower City” and an eastern “Upper City”. In antiquity these were fortified as separate citadels, each entered through monumental gates flanked by towers. The Great Kings Hattusili I through Mursili III built and expanded the city’s fortifications, temples and palaces during the Middle and Late Hittite periods (c.1650–1200 BCE).

The Lion Gate at Hattusa: This famous portal at the south-west of the Upper City is flanked by two massive stone lions. Each lion once had inlaid eyes and stands atop a tower flank, guarding the city. It represents one of the “unique artistic achievements” of the Hittite empire. Inscriptions show the gate’s wooden doors (now lost) were locked at night, sealed by the king’s official brand, and opened each dawn by gatekeepers of the palace bureaucracy. The Madain Project notes that the northern Hittite scribes considered such gates sacred, believing the lions warded off evil.

City Walls & Layout

The most striking feature of Hattuşa is its wall system. In total, over seven kilometers of stone rampart once encircled the Upper and Lower cities. Today long stretches of these walls survive, built of cyclopean masonry and ashlar blocks. Several gate complexes are preserved, most famously the Lion Gate (southwest Upper City) and King’s Gate (east Upper City). The Lion Gate features two monumental lion statues perched atop towers (the right-hand lion is almost intact, the left head was lost in antiquity and re-sculpted modernly). The King’s Gate, across the saddle from the Lion Gate, is similarly ornate (it bears reliefs of sphinxes and a king and queen offering to divinities). Lesser gates include the Sphinx Gate of the Lower City and others to the north; in total at least six gates are known, spaced along the circuit. Each gate had wooden doors, probably overlaid with bronze sheets for strength.

Inside the walls were multiple functional zones. The Upper City (south) held the royal precinct and major temples – the Great Temple, twin Ḫušḫalli temples, and the royal residence – along with administrative offices. The Lower City (north) included markets, a granary, storage buildings, and neighborhoods of artisans. At night the gates were closed and sealed under official watch, reopening each morning under the king’s authority. The entire settlement was planned on a rectangular grid of streets, preserving orthogonal blocks – an urban organization which UNESCO calls “remarkable”.

Notable Gates and Reliefs

As noted, Lion Gate (Yerkapı) is the iconic portal, named for its lion statues. UNESCO remarks that “the city’s fortifications, along with the Lions’ Gate, the Royal Gate and the Yazılıkaya rupestral ensemble… represent unique artistic achievements”. Here the lions, crafted in local sandstone, are finely detailed. The right lion (surviving head) shows carved mane and musculature. It may have served a protective role in Hittite religion. The gate’s double-arched stone façade once held massive doors.

The Royal Gate (on the east side of the Upper City) is flanked by stone towers and adorned with relief carvings of sphinxes and royal figures, symbolizing the king’s power. Both the Lion Gate and King’s Gate illustrate the Hittite practice of monumental sculpture: indeed, these gates have been compared to the famous Lion Gate of Mycenae (in design and purpose). The Sphinx Gate at Lower City likewise had stone sphinx reliefs (one best-preserved image is a unique double-headed sphinx), and likely marked a sanctuary precinct. Many of these reliefs have suffered weathering, but careful study shows inscriptions and iconography that link them to known Hittite deities and cult.

Yazılıkaya: The Rock Sanctuary

About 2 km north of Hattuşa lies Yazılıkaya, an open-air rock sanctuary sacred to the Hittites. In a sheltered chamber between rocky hills, Hittite kings carved huge bas-reliefs of gods, kings and animals. The two main chambers (A and B) feature processions of gods in profile – storm gods, solar goddesses, and royal figures – each identified by hieroglyphic inscriptions. This was the empire’s principal “pantheon” site: as the Turkish Ministry of Culture notes, it was “the first pantheon known in Anatolia,” with reliefs of King Tudhaliya IV and Queen Henti worshipping the gods.

YAZILIKAYA ROCK SANCTUARY: This open-air Hittite temple features a procession of deities carved into bedrock walls. In Chamber A (shown) are figures of gods and kings worshipping. Ancient pilgrims walked here through the forested hills to hold ceremonies. UNESCO’s Outstanding Universal Value summary includes Yazılıkaya’s “rupestral ensemble and its sculptured friezes” as part of Hattuşa’s heritage.

Yazılıkaya’s reliefs are superb examples of Hittite artistry. According to Schachner and Anadolu Agency reports, ongoing excavations around the site continue to yield new insights (for example, recent study of hieroglyphic inscriptions “learned many new things about the planning of the Upper City and its ideological meaning”). The Sanctuary itself is within the national park, providing a striking contrast of natural scenery and massive stone carvings.

Alaca Höyük: Neolithic & Bronze Age Sanctuary

Alacahöyük (pronounced [ah-lah-‘djah-hö-yuk]) lies in rolling countryside near the modern village of Alacahüyük, about 25 km east of Boğazköy. Its archaeological prominence dates to the early Bronze Age, though the site’s origins extend back to pre-Hittite times. Alacahöyük stands at about 1,080 m elevation and consists of an east-west elongated mound with adjacent lower terrace areas. The settlement was used continuously from late Chalcolithic through Roman times, but its Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age layers (c. 4000–2000 BCE) are especially rich.

The site’s four main cultural layers are: 1) a Late Iron Age phase (Phrygian through Byzantine, 1st millennium BCE), 2) the Hittite Imperial Age layer (Late Bronze, 1450–1200 BCE) with large buildings and city walls, 3) the Early Bronze Age layer (2500–2000 BCE) containing the Royal Tombs, and 4) Late Chalcolithic (c.5500–3000 BCE) beneath them. All were first systematically investigated by the 1930s Turkish excavations.

Sphinx Gate & City Walls

The most conspicuous feature at Alacahöyük is the Sphinx Gate. Built of enormous andesite blocks on a limestone base, this gate (10 m wide) led into a great ritual complex or sanctuary. Each side of the gate is decorated with a carved sphinx (a creature with a human head, eagle’s wings, and the body of a lion or bull) facing the opposite direction. Orthostats (stone panels) around the gate depict a vivid procession of figures: gods, worshipping king and queen, animals and musicians. The left tower relief shows a bull on a pedestal (symbolizing the Storm-God of Heaven) with a veiled goddess and attendant musicians; the right tower shows a seated female deity and attendant scenes of a hunt. These reliefs are among Anatolia’s finest art from c.1400 BCE. UNESCO’s assessment similarly notes that Hattuşa’s King’s Gate and Alacahöyük’s Sphinx Gate exemplify outstanding Hittite sculptural detail.

The town itself was fortified; remains of stone walls and square towers circle the tell. Archaeologists conclude that heavy fortifications were needed “due to frequent raids of the Kaska people” from the north. In late Bronze times, then, Alacahöyük was a significant cultic center on a frontier zone. Inside the walls, excavations revealed temples, residential quarters, and open courtyards with water channels – a planned urban layout. One street even aligned directly with the Sphinx Gate, emphasizing its ceremonial axis.

Royal Tombs and Treasury

Beneath the Hittite city, Arık and Koşay’s team (1935–1970) uncovered the Royal Tomb Area on the western side of the tell. Here lay 13 rectangular tombs of the Early Bronze Age, originally covered by wooden beams and bark. These tombs, dating to ca. 2500–2300 BCE, held the remains of high-status individuals (perhaps a dynastic lineage). Each tomb contained an assemblage of grave offerings: thousands of metal objects, including bronze and electrum weapons, tools, ornate bowls and cups, plus numerous gold ornaments. Especially remarkable were multiple large round and crescent-shaped sun disks made of beaten bronze – 13 were found across the tombs. These disks, often mounted on poles, are believed to be solar cult symbols (perhaps linked to Arinna, the sun-goddess cult at nearby Hattuşa).

In addition to metalwork, the tombs yielded ivory combs, elephantine ivory pin-up figures, and architectural fragments. Many finds, including the sun disks and exquisite bull-statuette pin tops, are displayed at the Ankara Archaeology Museum. Their opulence confirms that Alacahöyük was an important center in the Hatti civilization (an indigenous Anatolian culture that predated but later merged with Hittite culture).

Excavation History and Key Finds

Alacahöyük drew attention from Western explorers as early as the 19th century. But the first systematic digs were early 20th-century: French team Perrot and Chantre made surface recordings in the 1880s, and in 1907 the Ottoman archaeologist Theodor Makridi Bey undertook initial trenches. The major breakthrough came with the 1935–1939 excavations led by Hamit Koşay and Remzi Oğuz Arık, under directives from Atatürk to elucidate Anatolia’s past. They uncovered the Hittite city layer and the entire royal tomb necropolis. After WWII excavations continued sporadically, and resumed in the 1990s with new Turkish teams.

These efforts greatly expanded knowledge of Bronze Age Anatolia. For example, the 2002–2005 campaigns unearthed Luwian hieroglyphic inscriptions, including a stele fragment and sealings, linking the site with the broader Anatolian script tradition. Analysis of the finds has helped scholars piece together the religious and political connections between Alacahöyük and Hattuşa (for instance, textual evidence suggests Alacahöyük may have been known as Arinna, the revered city of the sun goddess). Today the Alacahöyük excavation site is an open archaeological park (often called Alacahöyük Örenyeri in Turkish), with paths guiding visitors through the temple ruins, city walls and tomb shafts. A small on-site museum holds some artifacts, and a larger dedicated Alacahöyük Museum stands in the village of Narlık (7 km away) to house smaller objects and interpretive displays.

UNESCO World Heritage Designation

Hattuşa (Boğazkale) and the Yazılıkaya sanctuary were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (“Hattusha: the Hittite Capital”) in 1986. The formal UNESCO dossier highlights the ensemble’s outstanding universal value: the city’s elaborate urban plan, temples, palaces and fortifications, plus the rock sanctuary, collectively represent unique cultural achievements of the Late Bronze Age Hittites. In UNESCO’s words, “the city’s fortifications, along with the Lions’ Gate, the Royal Gate and the Yazılıkaya rupestral ensemble… represent unique artistic achievements”. The site met criteria (i) through (iv) for architecture, influence on later civilizations, testimony to a vanished culture, and intact preservation of building types.

(Note that Alacahöyük itself is not part of the UNESCO listing, but it falls within the national park whose core site is listed.) The 1986 UNESCO inscription gave international recognition and helped spur conservation. Today, protective regulations classify the Hattuşa area, Yazılıkaya and even the small outpost site of Kayalı Boğaz as first-degree archaeological zones. Importantly, the heritage safeguards are integrated under the national park framework: the land belongs to Boğazköy-Alacahöyük National Park, ensuring any development is controlled for both nature and archaeology.

Within this framework, routine monitoring, conservation work and excavation are coordinated by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism (through the regional Çorum Museum) together with the (restructured) Ministry of Environment and Forestry. A Conservation Council oversees interventions, meaning that any reconstruction, path-building or tourist facility must receive planning permission. These measures maintain “the setting of the property within its natural environment… without any modern impact”.

Geography, Topography & Climate

Boğazköy-Alacahöyük NP lies in Turkey’s Central Anatolian plateau, a region of gently rolling steppe and limestone hills. Hattuşa is perched on a 300–400 m high limestone ridge overlooking the valley of the Kızılırmak River. (This ridge is at about 1,050 m elevation.) Across a 25 km plain to the east, Alacahöyük sits at roughly the same altitude. The two sectors of the park share a continental climate with pronounced seasons: hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. In nearby Çorum, average highs range from about 5 °C in January to 30 °C in July, with virtually no summer rainfall and frequent winter snow. Fall (October–November) often brings the most moderate weather for visiting – warm days and cool nights – whereas summer afternoons can be quite hot on the exposed hilltops.

The terrain of the park is a mix of open ruins and natural areas. Aridity has created grassy steppe on much of the plateau, dotted by stands of juniper and pine in favored spots. Notably, a patch of the Ibikçam Forest remains on the slopes south of Hattuşa. UNESCO reports that Ibikçam is a “dense forest” type, once common around the Hittite capital but now nearly vanished elsewhere in Central Anatolia. These conifer woodlands support diverse plants and birds. Overall, flora surveys have found over 800 plant species in the park, including nearly 80 endemic to Anatolia. (Dominant families are Fabaceae, Boraginaceae, Brassicaceae and Asteraceae.) Typical flora include feather grass steppe, thyme and sage herbs, and oak/pine in the woodlands.

Wildlife in the park reflects central Anatolia’s fauna: one might encounter foxes, jackals or porcupines in secluded spots. Raptors such as hawks and buzzards often circle overhead, and the oak woodlands host songbirds and woodpeckers. Though the region is relatively depopulated, farming and grazing around the park can impact habitat, making conservation measures crucial. (Herders still graze flocks on the high summer pastures outside the ruins.) Park rules forbid collecting plants or disturbing animals.

Key Attractions & Highlights

Hattuşa Archaeological Complex

The Hattuşa site is divided into several zones that can be visited by walking a circuit of paths. The main areas are: the Great Citadel (Upper City), Big Town (Lower City), and the Yazılıkaya sanctuary. There is no on-site visitor center within the ruins themselves, but the village of Boğazkale (modern Boğazköy) at the western foot of the hills provides parking, a small museum, and lodging.

• Yerkapı (Lion Gate) and Ramparts: The southwestern portal (facing the village) is the famed Lion Gate, as described above. Visitors often start here. From the Lion Gate one can climb sections of the original rampart wall. This wall leads north around the Lower City perimeter, offering panorama over the valley. Partway along is the Sphinx Gate (facing northwest) with its pair of sphinx reliefs. Further along, ruins of a large granary and water cistern can be seen, indicating the city’s infrastructure.
• King’s Gate and Upper City: Circling through the Lower City, the trail ascends to the Royal (King’s) Gate, on a narrow saddle between two hills. Entering through this impressive gate (sphinx and royal reliefs), one reaches the Upper City. Here lie the brick and stone foundations of the Great Temple (Fıstıklı) and twin temple complexes. Not much wall elevation remains, but visitors can trace the outlines of hearths, altars and pillars. Nearby is the East Hall (a ceremonial complex with stone altars) and relics of the royal palace block. Particularly visible are orthostat slabs set into walls, carved with processions of gods and dignitaries (these were originally painted).
• Yazılıkaya Open-Air Museum: A half-hour walk through pine forest leads to the Yazılıkaya sanctuary, a separately fenced area. A broad stone staircase climbs between dramatic limestone boulders to reach Chamber A and B of the sanctuary. Here visitors see the series of colossal rock reliefs carved high above. Interpretive panels explain the deities depicted. (Because of weathering, bringing a photo guide or downloaded map is helpful to identify which god is which.) The shaded pathways of Yazılıkaya provide a contrast to the exposed city ruins.
• On-Site Exhibits: Along the city path, occasional information boards describe the archaeology. The Hattuşa Museum (in Boğazkale village) showcases select finds: Hittite cuneiform tablets from the royal archive, small statues, pottery, and ritual objects. The museum is modest but valuable for context; its hours and admission are modest. In the fields between Boğazkale and the ruins, some excavated sarcophagi and relief fragments stand under modern roofs for viewing.

Alacahöyük Archaeological Zone

The Alacahöyük site (Örenyeri) is smaller and easier to traverse in a half-day. Key highlights include:

• Sphinx Gate: As above, the main entrance gateway with twin sphinx statues is the focal point. Visitors first see the outer face of the gate flanked by towers with reliefs. A path leads up to the inner face, revealing more carvings. One spends time circling the gate to admire the iconography.
• City Wall and Gates: Portions of the city wall and towers remain visible around the settlement. On the eastern side is the Water Gate, a smaller postern once leading to irrigation channels (note the preserved basalt staircase). To the west, the Forge Courtyard shows the foundations of workshops, where archaeologists found furnaces and metal slag.
• The Royal Tombs Area: West of the mound is an open field marked by large stones – the Royal Tomb Area. Informational plaques indicate where the Bronze-Age tombs lay. Some cut-stone sarcophagus lids and fragments are on display. Visitors can peer into the pits (now empty) of Tomb I, III, etc., to see burial pit outlines. A small on-site shed holds a few of the recovered artifacts (lamps, beads) in display cases. This area evokes the funerary atmosphere, though the treasures themselves are in major museums.
• Alacahöyük Museum: In the nearby village of Narlık is the official Alacahöyük Museum, built into a hill adjacent to the west gate of the tell. Here many small finds are on exhibit: pottery, weights, bone pins, and especially metal objects from the Bronze Age layers. The museum narratives explain the royal tomb discoveries and Hittite temple structures. Admission is usually low or free for students. It closes in winter months, so summer visitors should try to visit.
• Interpretive Trails: Pathways are laid out (some paved, some dirt) linking these sights. Guideposts (in Turkish and sometimes English) identify wall sections and building foundations. Because Alacahöyük lacks shade in parts, it’s wise to bring water. There are picnic tables under trees near the visitor hut, as well as a refreshment stand in summer.

Nearby Archaeological & Cultural Stops

Beyond the core park, the Boğazkale/Alaca area has several complementary sites of interest:

• Museum of Çorum: In the city of Çorum (80 km away), the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations holds many artifacts from Hattuşa and Alacahöyük. This is the new, modern museum (distinct from the small village sites museum). It includes highlights like Hittite statues, cuneiform archives and jewelry from the royal tombs. Scholars often recommend pairing a park visit with a museum tour.
• Bogazkale Historic Town: The village of Boğazkale itself has Ottoman houses, a small bazaar and local restaurants serving Black Sea/Turkish cuisine. A refreshing local spring (Seker Pınarı) lies in the hills north of town. The nearby site of Yazılıkaya is technically inside the park, but for visitation purposes one enters from Boğazkale and hikes a mile north.
• Gölpınar Dam: A short distance south of Alacahöyük, the Gölpınar reservoir (ancient Sarissa dam) offers a pleasant detour. It was originally built in Hittite times under Tudhaliya IV and restored recently. The dam wall is still functional and there is a visitor area by the shore. The natural scenery and waterfowl are scenic, making a nice half-day outing.

Access & Transportation

Boğazköy-Alacahöyük NP lies between the larger cities of Çorum and Yozgat.

• By Road: The main access is via Boğazkale on a rural road off the Sungurlu-Çorum highway. From Ankara (about 250 km to the south-west), one can drive roughly 3–4 hours via the Ankara-Çankırı highway, then north. From Çorum city, it is about an hour’s drive south to Boğazkale (follow signs for Hattuşa). Alacahöyük is another 25–30 minutes east along well-marked roads from Boğazkale. The roads are paved but narrow in places; a car or tour bus is typical. Note that gas stations are scarce near the ruins, so fill up in town.
• Public Transport: Public bus service connects Çorum to Alaca (20 km south of Alacahöyük) and to Sungurlu. A minibus (dolmuş) runs between Alaca and Boğazkale several times a day. For Hattuşa visitors, the best strategy is usually to reach Çorum (by bus or train from Ankara/Istanbul), then catch the local minibus to Boğazkale. The final mile into the park requires private transport or taxi, as the NP gate is a bit outside town.
• On-site Logistics: Within the park, the roads are for permit vehicles only (park maintenance), so visitors walk. From the Boğazkale visitor center, paths fan out to all major Hattuşa sectors. The walkway to Yazılıkaya is a marked trail through forest (about 45 minutes). At Alacahöyük, parking and the entrance are adjacent to each other. Most of the site is flat; only Yazılıkaya and the Alacahöyük mound involve some ascent (stairs).
• Accessibility: The ancient stone paths and ruins are uneven, so wheelchair access is very limited. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. Shade is limited on site, so sun protection and water are essential.

Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Tips

The park is open year-round (Hattuşa: 08:00–19:00 in summer; Alacahöyük similar hours). However, seasonal conditions strongly influence the visit:

• Spring (April–June): Often considered the best time. The grass is green, wildflowers bloom, and temperatures are comfortable. Spring showers can occur, so layers and a raincoat may be prudent. Easter/Holy Week can be busy with domestic tourists.
• Summer (July–August): Days are hot (often 30–35 °C) and dry. Many foreign tourists arrive, but the midday sun is intense. Early morning visits are advisable. The park does offer some shade under pines on the Upper City terraces at Hattuşa. Water and hats are mandatory. Late July brings the Hittite festival in Bogazkale (a cultural event with music/ceremony), which can be interesting but also crowds the village.
• Fall (September–October): Another good season. The harvest season begins (fields turning gold) and average highs drop to 20–25 °C. The site sees fewer international visitors by late October, although Turkish groups still come. Watch for early snows in late November.
• Winter (November–March): Cold and often snowy. Many interpretive panels may be closed, and access roads in can be icy. Very low visitor numbers, but atmospheric for hardy historians. Note that Ankara University and Çorum Museum offices are on reduced hours. If visiting in winter, confirm any closures of museums or visitor services.

Generally, May–October is the recommended visiting window for ease of access and daylight. Special events: each June, the modern town of Bogazkale holds the “Hittite Ceremony” – a folkloric reenactment and welcoming of summer. Visitors sometimes incorporate this into a summer trip.

Guided Tours & Suggested Itineraries

Several ways exist to explore the park:

• Guided Tours: Local tour operators (especially in Çorum and Ankara) offer day trips to Hattuşa and Alacahöyük. These can be convenient, providing a guide who explains the archaeology. A typical tour hits Hattuşa first, then Alacahöyük, with lunch in between. Ask that the guide be well-versed in Hittite history; larger tour companies may not focus on detail. Private guides (archaeologists or archaeologists-in-training) can be arranged through Turkish universities or cultural agencies.
• Self-Guided Day: A common itinerary is to stay overnight in Boğazkale (or nearby Sungurlu) and devote one full day to Hattuşa. Start early at the Lion Gate, work through the Lower and Upper City, then hike to Yazılıkaya before lunchtime. In afternoon, drive 25 km to Alacahöyük and spend a couple of hours there before dusk. Walking times: Plan ~3-4 hours for Hattuşa’s main circuit (with extra time at Yazılıkaya), and 1–2 hours at Alacahöyük. Bring maps or a downloaded GPS guide.
• Archaeological Circuit: For more time, one can split Hattuşa and Alacahöyük into separate days. For example, day 1 could include Hattuşa and Yazılıkaya, plus a visit to Çorum Museum; day 2 Alacahöyük plus perhaps the museum at Narlık village. Another extension is to visit nearby Hittite sites like Zile (ancient Zilia) or Tuz Gölü (salt works), but those lie farther afield.
• Hiking Outskirts: The park’s official trails cover just the ruins, but adventurous hikers sometimes follow the limestone ridges around Hattuşa or trek between Boğazkale and Alacahöyük (via İncesu Canyon). Such hikes require good navigation and are only for experienced hikers, as the terrain can be rugged. Always inform local authorities before leaving main trails.

In any case, hire a good topographic map of the area, or use GPS (offline maps) because signage in the park is sparse. The park staff can sell simple printed maps at the entrance booths.

Hiking Trails & Outdoor Activities

Beyond the archaeological walking, the park offers some light hiking and picnic opportunities:

• Hattuşa Ridge Trail: A narrow track follows the crest of the Hattuşa plateau from the Lion Gate around to Yazılıkaya. Parts of it double as the main visitor paths, but one can extend the loop to see an exposed viewpoint north of the Lower City walls. From this high vantage (over 400m above the valley floor) are sweeping views of the Boğazkale plain and distant Pontic mountains.
• Boğazkale–Yazılıkaya Trail: For those staying in the village, a signed path leads through mixed pine and juniper forest up to the Yazılıkaya site. (This is the same path used by ancient pilgrims.) The trail is about 2 km long and moderately steep; it requires about 30–45 minutes one-way. A picnic area lies near the sanctuary entrance.
• Alacahöyük Loop: Visitors can circumnavigate the Alacahöyük tell via a dirt track. This loop rises slightly to circle the eastern hillside (with great sunrise views) then returns under the acropolis. It is about 4 km in length. The path passes through an oak grove that is very beautiful in late autumn color.
• Birdwatching and Nature: Dawn and dusk are good times to listen for the calls of the black francolin (a game bird) or see the silhouette of long-legged steppe eagles wheeling overhead. The Bosporus gull (common on Anatolian lakes) can occasionally be spotted on the Gölpınar reservoir. There are also some fox dens and porcupine lairs near the ruins – quiet observation may reveal wildlife.
• Safety & Gear: There are no designated campgrounds or rest areas in the park (camping is generally not allowed to protect archaeology). Hikers should carry plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Summer mosquitoes are few (it’s quite dry), but spring brings occasional tick encounters in grassy zones. No medical facilities are at the site – the nearest clinic is in Boğazkale or Alaca – so hikers should carry basic first aid.
• Birds & Wildflowers: The spring season offers a profusion of wildflowers, including species of wild tulip, iris, and iris-like Euphorbia. Early May hikes may encounter meadow carpets of yellow, white and purple blooms. Water-loving birds (e.g. herons) congregate at Gölpınar Dam. In forested parts, various woodpecker species drum on tree trunks.

Park Infrastructure & Visitor Facilities

As a designated national park with high archaeological sensitivity, Boğazköy-Alacahöyük’s facilities are intentionally modest:

• Visitor Centers: In Boğazkale a small park office (the “park info kiosk”) stands near the entrance to the ruins. Here one can buy entrance tickets, maps, brochures and there are restrooms. The staff speak basic English. At Alacahöyük, a similar booth marks the archaeological park entrance with ticket sales and toilets. Fees are very low (often included in combined tickets for other regional sites). Both centers sell bottled water and soft drinks.
• Interpretive Signage: Scattered throughout the sites are bilingual panels (Turkish/English) identifying key structures (e.g. “Great Temple,” “Lower City Wall”). However, these are few, and the average visitor often relies on handheld guides or local guides for deeper context. No large museum on-site holds all the artifacts – visitors must go to Çorum or Ankara for many major finds.
• Amenities: Near Boğazkale and Alacahöyük are cafes and picnic tables. The restaurant in Boğazkale offers local cuisine (kebabs, gözleme pancakes, stews) – useful after a half-day’s touring. At both park areas there are shaded picnic groves where families often stop for lunch. There are no hotels inside the park, but Boğazkale has a few pensions and a mid-sized hotel. Alacahöyük village (Narlık) is smaller, but the larger town of Alaca (20 km south) has guesthouses. The park deliberately forbids large hotels or development near the ruins.
• Accessibility: As noted, the paths are unpaved and uneven, so mobility-limited access is difficult. The park does provide one or two ramps/flat walkways for wheelchairs near main visitor areas, but they cover very limited sections. Families with strollers or elderly travelers should inquire locally.
• Maps & Guides: The regional culture office publishes a map/booklet (in English) on “Hittite Civilization,” which includes a section on the park. Many guidebooks to Turkey have a chapter on Hattuşa/Alacahöyük. Online, Çorum’s tourism websites provide basic directions (e.g. for Yazılıkaya, see ). Satellite maps (Google, OpenStreetMap) are accurate and show parking and hike trails.

Conservation, Protection & Management

The dual mandate of archaeological preservation and natural conservation defines park management. Legally, the site is protected under national antiquities law (Law No. 2863) and forestry/national park laws. Hattuşa’s ruins are classified as “1st Degree Archaeological Site” by the Turkish authorities, meaning any activity requires strict oversight. Such zones forbid agriculture, construction or looting. The entire park was officially gazetted in 1988 (Council of Ministers Decree No. 13331) to include the Hittite sites and surrounding ecosystem.

Conservation efforts are ongoing. The German Archaeological Institute (German DAI) has spearheaded many conservation campaigns at Hattuşa for the past century. They have carefully reassembled fallen stone blocks at key temples, consolidated wall rubble, and stabilized the Lion Gate towers using reversible methods. Their work is usually done “as little as possible” to avoid fakes, focusing instead on making the ruins safe for visitors. For example, a fragile basalt block at the Royal Gate was supported by stainless-steel frames, clearly labeled as intervention.

Threats and challenges include weathering, vegetation growth in masonry joints, and visitor impact (graffiti was an issue decades ago, now nearly stamped out). The national park rangers periodically clear brush and repair visitor pathways. There is limited funding, so many interventions rely on grants or university teams. An ongoing issue is the rising pressure of nearby agriculture – although direct modern development is minimal, overgrazing by goats can damage the outer slopes of the mounds. Park authorities work with local communities to fence particularly sensitive zones.

Nature conservation projects include reforestation of native pines and monitoring of wildlife. The Ibikçam Forest is under special care, and wildflower meadows are allowed to regenerate in the early spring floodplains. The park’s management plan (updated periodically) explicitly aims to protect “cultural landscape” as a whole, meaning the very openness of the terrain is valued (even the converted steppe from millennia of grazing is now part of the historical scene).

On balance, the park is considered well-protected by Turkish standards. UNESCO periodic reports on Hattuşa have not listed major new threats since inscription. In fact, the integrated park status (archaeological + natural) is sometimes cited as a model – for example UNESCO notes that merging the ruins and forests under one protected area “sustains the Outstanding Universal Value” of the property.

Local Culture & Community Engagement

The town of Boğazkale (pop. ~2,000) and surrounding villages are predominantly Turkish with a long history of farming. In recent decades, the Hattuşa ruins have become a vital part of the local identity. Many residents trace ancestry to early Ottoman farmsteads, but they embrace the Hittite heritage as part of their regional pride. Artisans in town sell handcrafts like handwoven textiles and replica bronze jewelry.

Several community initiatives link tourism and heritage. For instance, youth groups sometimes offer guided walks for visitors, explaining folklore about the ruins and local customs (many farmers still harvest grapes on wooden terraces above the valley, for example). The “Hittite Ceremony” festival each summer (around Solstice) involves villagers in performing traditional music and making local food for tourists at the park gates. In recent years, the municipality built a small cultural center near Boğazkale to host Hittite music concerts and photo exhibits in summer.

Local farmers benefit from the park indirectly, as visitors buy produce (walnuts, corn, honey) in village stalls. The park authorities also hire some local residents as guides and custodians. A notable project has been the training of village women in tourism hospitality, leading to a cooperative of home-stay accommodations. The idea is to keep tourism revenue within the community rather than big cities. Boğazkale now has several pension-run hotels (many family-owned) and guesthouses that advertise home-cooked meals and authentic ambiance.

Cultural festivals in Boğazkale now blend Hittite and Anatolian heritage. For example, a yearly “Spring Equinox Festival” is held at Yazılıkaya (the Hittites themselves may have celebrated an equivalent date), which includes Anatolian folk dancing at sunset. The Çorum Governor’s office and cultural agencies encourage these events as a way of connecting modern Turks with ancient history. Many local school classes also visit the park, and some students act as guides during excursions, practicing their archaeology lessons.

Nearby Attractions & Day Trips

Beyond the park, the region offers other destinations that enrich a visit to Boğazkale-Alacahöyük:

• Çorum Province Museum (Çorum Müzesi) – Situated in the city of Çorum (80 km north), this museum houses a superb collection of regional archaeology. Highlights are Hattuşa’s clay tablets (some with diplomatic treaties), finely carved stone reliefs, and Bronze-Age glassware. The Alacahöyük sun disks and bull-head finials are displayed here in one gallery (free English tours may be arranged on request). The museum provides valuable context and is air-conditioned – a relief on a hot day. It’s recommended to stop here, especially if the park visit is on a package tour.
• Zile (Zile Kalesi) – Approximately 90 km northeast of Boğazkale, the town of Zile has a medieval fortress and Hittite-period rock reliefs. This site is less restored but historically connected (it guards an old route to Ankara). Zile’s castle offers a fine view of the central Anatolian plain. For an ambitious multi-day itinerary, Zile can be added after Hattuşa before returning to Ankara.
• Incesu Canyon (Çatak Canyon) – Near Alaca, about 50 km from Alacahöyük, lies Incesu Canyon, a rocky gorge with stream and rich vegetation. It is designated a nature park, featuring walking paths and a small waterfall. It’s a pleasant diversion for hikers wanting a break in greenery. Birdwatchers visit the waterfall pools for kingfishers and occasionally the black stork. This is a government-run site with picnic spots and day-use facilities.
• Sungurlu – The larger town of Sungurlu (25 km north of Boğazkale) has the only significant hospital in the area, plus restaurants and markets. History buffs might note that Sungurlu’s surrounding area has other Iron Age ruins (kale höyüks) that have not been deeply studied. The town also celebrates an annual “Black Sea Cherry Festival,” reflecting the region’s cherry orchards.
• Regional Parks – To the east in Yozgat Province is Yozgat Pine Grove National Park, with pine forests and lakes, about a two-hour drive. It can be included as part of a regional tour of Central Anatolia’s parks.

Each of these adds depth: Çorum Museum for artifacts; Zile for additional Hittite context; Incesu for nature; Sungurlu for services. Day-trip tourism can incorporate these to form a well-rounded experience.

Practical Tips & Traveler FAQs

What to Pack: Sturdy walking shoes or boots for uneven ground. Sun protection (hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses), as exposed ruins offer little shade. Layers (it can be hot midday but cool in morning/evening). Water bottle (only two or three small fountains exist; drinks are for sale at centers). Small umbrella can be handy for sun or light rain. A camera or sketchbook – there is no shortage of photo opportunities. Hand sanitizer and tissues (toilets are rustic). Binoculars for panoramic views or birdwatching. An English guidebook or app on Hittites is useful; printed maps of the site paths are limited.

Guided Tours Availability: Yes – private guides are available through Çorum tourism offices, or multi-day cultural tours often include these ruins. Shared-group tours run from Ankara or Çorum with fixed schedules. If going independently, hiring a local English-speaking guide (via museum or guide associations) can dramatically enrich the visit. The park’s multilingual signage is minimal.

Packing for Alacahöyük Museum: If visiting the Alacahöyük Museum, note it is smaller and focuses on artifacts (pottery, finds from tombs). It has air conditioning and is good if the weather is very hot or cold outside.

Children & Families: Kids often enjoy climbing the walls (though caution is needed) and the novelty of “ancient ruins.” There are no playgrounds in the park, but open fields and picnic areas are child-friendly. Storytelling about Hittite kings can engage youngsters. However, due to uneven terrain, families should keep an eye on little ones. Also, there are no baby-changing facilities at the ruins.

Park Regulations: No digging or removing anything allowed – artifacts must stay in place. Drones are generally not allowed without special permission. Pets must be on a leash (dogs can disturb wildlife and bats in caves). Smoking in the park is prohibited to reduce fire risk. Leave no litter (carry out all trash) – local volunteers periodically clean paths of plastic waste.

Photography: Non-commercial photography is free. The dramatic sunlight on stone makes excellent photographs, but beware blowing dust. Tripod use is allowed. The Boğazkale village museum and Alacahöyük museum may have modest photography fees.

Mobility: As noted, limited wheelchair access. Family members with mobility challenges should note the steep incline at the lion gate and the staircase at Yazılıkaya.

Local Customs: The villages are conservative. Dress respectfully when interacting with locals. Boğazköy has a restaurant or two serving pig, but Alacahöyük’s museum cafe and Sungurlu restaurants are fully halal (no alcohol). Always ask permission before photographing individuals.

Medical: There are ambulances stationed in Boğazkale (small clinic) and larger hospitals in Sungurlu and Alaca. Bring any personal medication; the closest pharmacy is in Boğazkale. Bottled water is generally safe. Insect repellent can help with occasional flies in summer.

FAQ Section

What is Boğazköy-Alacahöyük National Park known for? It protects the ruins of the ancient Hittite capital Hattuşa (near Boğazkale) and the Bronze-Age site Alacahöyük. Highlights include monumental gateways (Lion Gate, Sphinx Gate), temples and palaces of Hattuşa, the Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary, and the royal tombs and Sphinx Gate at Alacahöyük. It is celebrated as a cradle of the Hittite civilization and an open-air museum of Anatolian archaeology.

How large is Boğazköy-Alacahöyük National Park? About 2,600 hectares (26 square kilometers). It is divided into two core archaeological zones (Hattuşa and Alacahöyük), each covering a few square kilometers, with buffer lands around.

How do I get to Boğazköy-Alacahöyük National Park? The easiest is by car or tour bus via the Çorum-Boğazkale road. From Ankara, drive northeast (~280 km) via Bolu–Çankırı, then north at Çorum. Regular buses run from Çorum city to Alaca and Sungurlu; local minibuses (dolmuş) link to Boğazkale. Taxis or hired cars from Çorum/Alaca are alternatives. At the park entrances, parking is free.

What are the main attractions at Boğazköy-Alacahöyük NP? At Boğazkale/Hattuşa: The Lion Gate, King’s Gate, city walls, ruined temples/palaces, and the Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary. At Alacahöyük: the Sphinx Gate with carved reliefs, remains of the city walls, and the Early Bronze Age royal tombs area. Also the small museums on each site provide context.

When is the best time to visit Boğazköy-Alacahöyük NP? Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer tourists. Summer (July–August) is very hot; winter can be snowy and many visitors stay away. The park is open year-round, but services (like interpretive panels and museum hours) are best in April–November.

Is Boğazköy-Alacahöyük NP a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Partly – the Hattuşa (Boğazkale) area including the ruins of the Hittite city and the Yazılıkaya sanctuary is UNESCO-listed (as of 1986). However, Alacahöyük is not part of the UNESCO property. In practice, both are in the same national park.

What facilities are available at Boğazköy-Alacahöyük NP? Basic visitor services: ticket kiosks, restrooms, picnic areas, and a small café or stand selling drinks and snacks. There are no large lodgings or shops inside the park. Boğazkale village has guesthouses and restaurants. Water fountains exist only at the entry centers; carry your own water. Interpretive signage is minimal, so guides or guidebooks are useful.

Are guided tours available? Yes. Local guides (Turkish and some English-speaking) offer tours. Organized tour buses from Ankara or Cappadocia often include Hattuşa as a stop. Private tour companies in Çorum or Ankara can tailor a trip. Self-guided exploration with a good map is also possible, but a guide will enrich the context greatly.

What should I pack for a visit? Essentials: comfortable hiking shoes; hat and sunblock; water and snacks; light layers for temperature changes; and camera. A small daypack for the park visit. If hiking beyond the main ruins, bring a rain jacket. For Yazılıkaya’s rocky approach, sturdy boots help. For access to Alacahöyük’s museum, a small shoulder bag for valuables.

Is the park accessible for people with reduced mobility? Only partially. Some flat paths lead to key viewpoints, but many areas have steps or uneven stone surfaces. Wheelchair ramps cover only very short stretches. Those with mobility impairments should contact the park in advance; small vehicles are not allowed inside. Assistance may be provided near the entrance if requested. Family groups with toddlers should carry them in slings, as strollers are not practical on the ruins.

What are the park regulations and safety tips? Stay on designated paths, do not climb unstable ruins. Do not deface or touch the carvings. No collecting of plants or animals. Keep a safe distance from wild boars or stray dogs (they are usually shy but can bite if provoked). In high summer, avoid the site midday, and watch for heat exhaustion. Inform rangers if you plan a long hike. The park has rangers on duty daily – ask them any safety or historical questions.

Conclusion & Future Prospects

Boğazköy-Alacahöyük National Park stands as Turkey’s premier Hittite-era complex. Its significance spans academic and popular interest: archaeologists study its layers as a living laboratory of Bronze Age civilization, while tourists see it as a once-in-a-lifetime portal to a lost empire. The park managers’ challenge remains balancing preservation with public access. So far, the combined efforts of Turkish authorities and international partners have kept the site remarkably intact and informative.

Future archaeological work is likely to deepen our understanding even further. Recent finds (like new hieroglyphs and distant trade goods) hint that many secrets remain buried. Meanwhile, the surrounding villages continue to cultivate traditions connected with the past, from crafts that echo Hittite motifs to festivals invoking ancient rituals. In the best case, Boğazkale and Alacahöyük will develop sustainably: conservation programs will train more local stewards, the visitor centers might expand their small museum displays, and virtual guides will bring even reluctant young people to appreciate Anatolia’s first states.

For travelers, the invitation is open: visitors who care to walk these stones can feel the weight of millennia underfoot, tracing lines of trade, faith and power in the Anatolian sky. This park is not a theme-park reconstruction – it is real history standing in situ. Every stone, from the carved Lions’ Gate to the broken stone disk by a tomb, can “speak” of its era. The hope is that future generations will listen.