In 60 seconds
At the heart of the Central Anatolian high plateau lies Hattuşa (Boğazkale), the monumental 2nd-millennium BC capital of the Hittite Empire that vied for supremacy with Pharaonic Egypt and signed the world's first peace treaty at Kadesh. Its six-kilometre circuit of cyclopean ramparts features the iconic Lion Gate, King's Gate, and a subterranean corbelled postern tunnel at Yerkapı, complemented by the open-air rock sanctuary of Yazılıkaya. An hour and a half northeast along the Yeşilırmak (Iris) River canyon sits Amasya, where Hellenistic kings of Pontus carved monumental temple tombs into towering limestone cliffs directly above white timber Ottoman riverfront mansions.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You are looking for buzzing modern nightlife or fast resort leisure; this is an extraordinary journey into Bronze Age empires and quiet Ottoman river heritage.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Hattuşa & Amasya fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
UNESCO Bronze Age imperial capital · Cyclopean stone walls, Lion Gate & Great Temple
A vast 2nd-millennium BC imperial capital sprawling across rugged rocky crags, famous for the monumental stone Lion Gate, the King's Gate relief, and the Great Temple dedicated to the Storm God Teshub.
Hittite sacred rock shrine · 71 relief carvings of gods, goddesses and King Tudhaliya IV
An extraordinary natural limestone rock sanctuary carved with processions of the twelve underworld gods, the Storm God Teshub, the Sun Goddess Hebat, and a monumental sword god.
UNESCO Tentative 3rd-century BC monumental temple facades carved high into Mount Harşena cliffs
Five monumental rock-cut royal mausoleums carved into the vertical limestone mountain face high above the Yeşilırmak River, illuminated dramatically at night.
19th-century cantilevered Ottoman timber houses reflected in the Yeşilırmak River
A romantic river promenade of whitewashed, timber-framed Ottoman mansions jutting out over the river waters on stone piers, backed by the sheer rock fortress of Harşena.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
Where to eat the food this city is actually known for.
Authentic regional home cooking in a historic Ottoman timber riverfront mansion
Savour authentic regional specialties like keşkek wheat stew, toyga mint soup, and crispy Amasya apple desserts right beside the murmuring Yeşilırmak waters.
Long-standing family-run village restaurant right beside the Hattuşa site entrance
The welcoming base for visiting archaeologists, serving hearty Turkish village breakfasts, clay-pot casseroles, and fresh homemade yoghurt with village honey.
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
Panoramic mountain-terrace restaurant high above Amasya canyon and Pontic tombs
Dine on tender oven-roasted lamb, stuffed grape leaves, and bakla dolması while gazing at an unforgettable aerial panorama of the illuminated Pontic tombs and river city.
Riverside tea terrace named after ancient geographer Strabo, born in Amasya
Enjoy freshly brewed tea or Turkish coffee right along the riverbank facing the bronze statue of Strabo and the soaring cliff tombs above.
Beyond the obvious
Less obvious, rarely queued for, and usually the part people remember.
Enormous 70-metre subterranean corbelled stone tunnel leading through the southern city rampart
Walk with a flashlight through a remarkably preserved 3,200-year-old subterranean corbelled stone tunnel emerging beneath the colossal stepped stone glacis of Hattuşa's high gate.
European Museum Award nominee housing Hittite cuneiform clay tablets and bronze weapons
An exceptional museum in an elegant 1914 stone building displaying original Hittite cuneiform royal peace treaties, gold votive offerings and Bronze Age ceremonial axes.
After dark
Charming riverside timber terrace bar with night views of the illuminated tombs
A peaceful outdoor evening spot along the water serving cold Turkish craft beer and regional wine under the dramatic glow of the floodlit mountain tombs.
Orientation
How the city is actually divided, and what each part is for.
Narrow mountain canyon bisected by the river, lined with Ottoman mansions and Pontic tombs
The absolute cultural centre, ideal for walking along pedestrian quays, crossing historic stone bridges and evening dining.
Quiet rural settlement nestled below the crags of Bronze Age Hattuşa
The essential village base for walking into the archaeological park and visiting the Yazılıkaya sanctuary.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Restored 19th-century Ottoman timber mansions overlooking the Yeşilırmak River
Best for atmosphere, waking up to river reflections and views directly across to the ancient rock tombs.
Family-run rural pensions right beside the Hattuşa site entrance
Ideal for passionate history enthusiasts who want to be first through the Hattuşa gates in the quiet morning light.
Practical
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
Hattuşa serves as the mighty capital of the Hittite Empire, dominating Anatolia and the northern Levant in the Late Bronze Age.
Mithridates I founds the Kingdom of Pontus with Amasya as its royal seat, beginning the construction of monumental cliff tombs.
Hattuşa: the Hittite Capital is officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Hatti-Hittite royal city · Monumental andesite Sphinx Gate and royal shaft tombs
Famous for its monumental twin stone sphinxes guarding the southern entrance and remarkable 3rd-millennium BC royal bronze sun discs and stag standards.
Tranquil emerald crater lake surrounded by beech, cedar and pine forests
A pristine volcanic crater lake tucked high in the mountains, perfect for peaceful forest hikes and picnics away from archaeological sites.
