Okay, let me confess to holding a PhD in Ancient Near Eastern studies--but that aside, if you have any interest in ancient history and cultures, then don't pass this site by. As others have noted, it could have better interpretive signage, but with a good guide book you'll be okay. The Hittite civilisation was a fusion of Indo-European and Mesopotamian cultures--with a little Egyptian influence thrown in for good measure! You'll need to like walking and be stable on your feet to get around the entire site. There are enough reliefs and inscriptions still in situ to make the journey worth it. But for a fuller appreciation of the Hittite culture, you'll need to visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara and/or the archaeological Museum in Istanbul.
A large site dating back to 1700 BCE, the site has remains of walls, gates and a tunnel. That description does not do justice to Hattusha. Wander the site , preferably with a good guide or buy a guidebook in English at the Museum, which should not be missed.
It is a beautiful site and well researched. Try to read about it before you go. Also there are some local young people hanging out who are interested in archeology and can tell you some good things about what you are looking at.
Exciting to see such a remote place that was the centre of an amazing empire. Interesting topography. Also near other sites.
Hattusha is an interesting place, although it is a couple of holes in the ground. Not everyones taste but it may bring out the archaeologist in you.
If you are interested in old civilizations, then you should make a stop here for at least a couple of hours. Hattusha is deemed to be a World Heritage site. There is plenty of signage in English explaining the various historical areas of interest. At present they are still doing some excavating, though it appears at a snail's pace. There are no intact buildings, only the foundations, and the walls surrounding the site. It appears quite barren, especially when compared to other archeological sites.Would we recommend this attraction: yes, provided that you are interested in archeological sites.
The site is well spread out but this is compensated for by allowing vehicular access. An atmospheric site. A visit to see the associated wall carvings is a must.
It's a must see in Turkey, great ruins from Hittite civilization. It is in the Çorum province and has nothing related with Ankara.
My son Kyle and I visited Machu Picchu in 2012 and we read 17 books and watched 5 hour long videos before we saw it. When we arrived, we were prepared to fully enjoy its amazing history, architectural & astrological significance in addition to its engineering and water management features. Same thing with Hattusha-we watched 4 videos and read 4 books specifically on Hattusha along with 6 on the Hittites. Make sure to see the Museum in Bogazkale for amazing Hittite pottery and the original Sphinx gate which was returned from the Berlin Museum in 2010. (See the first peace treaty in the world in the Istanbul Archaeological museum between the Hittites and Egyptians dating to 1270 BC.)At minimum take 3 hours to see the site and buy Jurgen Seeher's "Hattusha Guide". I bought "The Empire Builders" (Time-Life 1974) for the reconstruction illustrations of Hattusha. I also bought "Hittite Fortifications" by Konstantin Nossov also for the reconstructions.Make sure to see Yazilikaya and the stone carvings which are also covered in Seeher's book.We hired a guide and driver to take us from Ankara to Hattusha-picked up at 8a and returned at 8p. We used Billimtur Turizm Organizasyon in Ankara. Plan on spending 800 Lira without tips- (VIP Travel wanted 770 Euros each for 2 people!) This fee includes entrance to Hattusha, both museums and lunch. We also visited Alacahoyuk which is an neolithic site along with the on-site museum both of which are about 10 miles from Hattusha. Awesome museum with both Neolithic and Hittite artifacts. We were the only ones at all the sites for most of the time.
a unique way to discover the ancient Hittite Capital.the entrance is a restored ancient Gate, and the site is enormous, but spending one day there is a must.