Ankara Historic Places – Journey Through Türkiye’s Capital of Civilization

Ankara, the heart of Türkiye, is a city rich in history, culture, and ancient civilizations. Long before it became the modern capital, Ankara was home to the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans, Byzantines, and Seljuks. Today, the city offers a mix of archaeological sites, museums, castles, and monumental landmarks that tell the story of Anatolia.

Here are the top historic places to visit in Ankara:

🕌 1. Anıtkabir – Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

The most iconic landmark in the city.

🏛 Grand architecture and symbolic design
🎖 Atatürk Museum with personal belongings
🇹🇷 Guard ceremony and Peace Park
📍 Must-visit destination for every traveler

Anıtkabir honors the founder of modern Türkiye and is one of the most visited sites in the country.

🏰 2. Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi)

A historic fortress overlooking the city.

🛡 Stone walls from Roman and Byzantine periods
🏘 Old houses and narrow streets
🎭 Small art shops, cafés, and handicrafts
📷 Panoramic view of Ankara

Perfect for history lovers, photographers, and cultural walks.

🕌 3. Hacı Bayram Mosque & Augustus Temple

Two landmarks standing side-by-side.

🕌 Beautiful Ottoman-style mosque
🏛 Ruins of the Roman Augustus Temple
📜 Ancient inscriptions and architecture
🥙 Nearby local restaurants and souvenirs

A unique place where ancient Rome meets Islamic Ottoman heritage.

🏺 4. Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

One of the most important museums in Türkiye.

🗿 Hittite and Phrygian artifacts
🏺 Ancient tools, sculptures, and jewelry
🧬 Prehistoric findings from all over Anatolia
🏛 Located near Ankara Castle

A UNESCO-worthy museum with priceless archaeological treasures.

🧱 5. Roman Baths of Ankara

A large open-air archaeological area.

🛁 Roman bathhouse remains and stone columns
🔱 Ancient rooms and heating systems
📜 Found on the old Silk Road route

A great outdoor visit to see Roman-era architecture.

🏟 6. Roman Theater of Ankara

Restored remains of a 2nd-century Roman theater.

🎭 Stone seats and stage ruins
🏺 Exhibits and archaeological work
📍 Close to Ulus and Ankara Castle

An important reminder of Roman cultural life in ancient Ankara.

🏛 7. Julianus Column (Julian Column)

A 1600-year-old Roman victory monument.

🗿 Built in 362 AD for Emperor Julian
📍 Ulus district
📷 Popular photography stop

One of the oldest free-standing monuments in the capital.

🕌 8. Alaeddin Mosque

The oldest mosque in Ankara.

🏛 Built in 12th century by Seljuks
🧱 Wooden pillars and stone walls
🌿 Peaceful courtyard

A beautiful example of early Turkish Islamic architecture.

🕌 9. Kocatepe Mosque

A modern historic symbol of the capital.

🕌 One of the largest mosques in Türkiye
🏛 Inspired by classical Ottoman style
✨ Beautiful chandeliers and domes

It combines history, religion, and architecture in one huge landmark.

🕍 10. Rahmi M. Koç Museum – Historic Industrial Site

Located inside a restored old collection of buildings near Ankara Castle.

🚂 Mini trains, cars, and industrial machines
📜 Antique technology and Ottoman-era items
👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect for families

A cultural museum built inside historical structures.

✅ Why Visit Historic Places in Ankara?

🌟 See ancient Roman, Ottoman, Seljuk, and modern monuments
🌟 Visit museums full of Anatolian heritage
🌟 Explore castles, mosques, and old neighborhoods
🌟 Great for photographers, students, families, and history lovers