On the hill with Ankara‘s ancient Citadel, not far from Ulus Square (map; Metro: Ulus) is the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations (Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi), a historic caravanserai holding artifacts from up to 7500 years, including the most extensive and valuable collection of Hittite artifacts in the world.
The caravanserai is worth seeing in itself, but the exhibits are even more so. If you are at all interested in the ancient history of Anatolia and the Near East, you cannot miss it.
The renovation and expansion work begun in 2010 was completed, and the entire museum fully re-opened, on 13 May 2014.
Unless you like walking up steep hills, take a taxi to the museum (TL12 from the Ankara Gar, TL18 from the AŞTİ bus terminal), and if possible allow for some time to explore the ancient Citadel and other sights on the hill.
The museum is open daily from 09:00 am to 17:00 (5 pm). It used to close on Monday in winter, but the museum’s website now says it is open every day, year-round, closing only on the mornings of the first days of religious holidays.
A half dozen restaurants on the hill and in the Citadel provide lunch possibilities.
Museum of Anatolian Civilisations
(Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi)
Gözcü Sokak No: 2 (map)
06240 Ulus, ANKARA, Turkey
Tel: +90 (312) 324 31 60, –61, –65
Fax: +90 (312) 311 28 39
[email protected]
—by Tom Brosnahan
Ankara Citadel (Hisar) | ![]() |