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Everything You Need to Know Before Visit Gobekli Tepe

Gobekli Tepe is the oldest known temple in human history. Would you like to unravel the secrets behind these mysterious structures? A visit to Gobekli Tepe in Turkey will take you on a journey back in time.

In this guide, we will give you all the important details to make the most of your visit to Göbeklitepe, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Gobekli Tepe Guide

What to see at gobekli tepe, gobekli tepe facts, history of gobekli tepe, where is gobekli tepe, is gobekli tepe safe to visit, get closer: how to go göbeklitepe from sanliurfa.

• When to visit Gobekli Tepe?

Gobekli Tepe Underground

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There were excavations for many years in Gobekli Tepe and Catal Huyuk. Recent years, Gobekli tepe welcomes many guests all around the world.You should visit Gobekli Tepe archaeological site because this is a worthy place which you must experience in your life at least once.

The main attraction at Gobekli Tepe is the ancient ruins. The ruins at Gobekli Tepe are believed to be some of the oldest in the world, dating back over 11,000 years! That means they predate even the pyramids of Egypt. Gobekli Tepe visitors can see two main types of structures at Gobekli Tepe : circular enclosures and T-shaped pillars.

Gobekli Tepe Opening Hours

Gobekli tepe archaeological site opens every day from 08:30 to 17:00. Box office closes at about 16:30. (Last updated on 21 December 2022)

Gobekli Tepe working hours may depend on if it is out of the season time. So, it is better to check the official records before you get there.

There is also a small museum at Gobekli Tepe that you can visit. Actually, Gobekli tepe museum is like a reception center that has Gobekli Tepe souvenirs, market shopping, information, 3D animation, etc. inside.

How much does it cost to visit Göbekli Tepe?

Gobekli Tepe tickets are 90 Turkish Liras in 2023 for each visitor. But if you have Turkey Museum pass , you can visit Gobekli Tepe without extra payment.

Some of Gobekli Tepe travel tours cover Gobekli Tepe entrance fee as well but it is better to check the schedule’s details.

Gobekli Tepe is an archaeological site located in southeastern Turkey. If you are wondering about how old is Gobeklitepe, which is believed to be the oldest known temple in the world, dating back over 11,000 years. The site consists of two types of structures: circular enclosures and T-shaped pillars.

How old is Gobekli Tepe?

Gobekli Tepe was first discovered in the 1960s by a Turkish farmer, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that archaeologists began excavating the site.

Since then, Gobekli Tepe has become one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It is thought to provide evidence for the existence of a sophisticated civilization that predates even the pyramids of Egypt. In addition, Gobekli Tepe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Gobeklitepe is located in Sanliurfa , Turkey . This is not the only historical place in this area but it is one of the most important ones which is worth visiting.

If you are planning to visit Gobekli Tepe, you can make an extended travel plan if you have time. Thusly, you can discover Sanliurfa city better and other nearby cities. The Southeast of Turkey has more things for you to explore such as Mardin .

If you are wondering can tourists visit Gobekli Tepe ? The answer is yes, tourists can visit Gobekli Tepe in every season of the year. Nowadays millions of people are visiting inside the country or abroad. 

Gobekli Tepe is located in southeastern Turkey . The region is generally safe for tourists, but you should always take precautions while traveling to any new place. We recommend that you research the area before your visit and familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette. In addition, we advise you to purchase travel insurance before your trip. 

We want to assure you that Gobekli Tepe is safe to visit . Turkey is a very welcoming country, and violence against tourists is rare. But you can learn more about if it is safe to travel to Turkey or not from our blog post.

You should always take precautions when traveling to any new place, but we hope this blog post has put your mind at ease about visiting Gobekli Tepe.

You can learn more about Turkey by reading our article on reasons to visit Turkey .

Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum

Don’t forget to visit the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum while you get there. Sanliurfa Museu m has incredible statues and history inside. It is probably the most famous thing to do in Sanliurfa after visit Gobekli Tepe .

Note that you can visit Sanliurfa Museum after your Gobekli Tepe historical site. It requires a bit extended time to spend there.

Entrance Fee for Şanlıurfa Turkey Archeology Museum

Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum entrance fee is 50 TL. Opening hours are 08:30 – 17:00 and Box office closing time is 16:30. (Last updated on 21 December 2022)

Göbeklitepe Museum

Actually, it almost doesn’t count as a museum . This reception belongs to the Gobekli Tepe archaeological site . Gobekli Tepe is the oldest archaeological site in Turkey.

This Unesco heritage has a welcoming center that has an amazing replica of Gobekli Tepe, introductory films, statues, and sculptures souvenirs inside. Also, you can get more information about Gobekli Tepe. Besides, you will be able to see what is Göbekli Tepe supposed to be in there.

If you are planning to visit all the historical sites and museums during your trip we recommend that you buy museum passcards .

For more information about museums, museum cards, museum passes , and also Gobekli Tepe ticket prices you can view the purchase options from this official page. Also, you can view the brochures for places from the Museums section.

How to get to Gobekli Tepe from Istanbul?

Gobekli Tepe is located in southeastern Turkey . If you’re coming from Istanbul, it’s about a five-hour drive. Renting a car in Turkey is an affordable option. You can also take a bus or catch a flight (with this promo code: TP-369698 which offers you %10 discount) into the nearby city of Sanliurfa and then take a taxi to Gobekli Tepe . 

How far is Gobekli Tepe from Istanbul?

It is five hours by car, twenty hours by bus, and two hours by plane. So, taking a plane seems the shortest way to go to the Sanliurfa province from Istanbul. Let’s ask about how do you fly to Gobekli Tepe ? Closest airport to gobekli tepe is GAP Sanliurfa Airport (GNY). 

You don’t have to think about how to get to Gobekli Tepe . If you like guided tours, you can take a Gobekli Tepe tour from Istanbul. We will mention the Gobekli Tepe tours in detail below.

Göbeklitepe is very close to the city center. It takes 25 minutes by car. You can also travel to Gobekli Tepe by public transportation. 

If you are asking what’s the best way to see Gobekli Tepe? Take the 100-numbered bus from the city center. Also do not miss any things to do in Sanliurfa during your trip.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Gobekli Tepe? No need for the archaeological site unless you want to take a tour of Gobekli Tepe. 

When to visit Gobekli Tepe ?

The best time to visit Gobekli Tepe is from April to October. Gobekli Tepe weather is milder during these months, making it more comfortable to visit the archaeological site. Gobekli Tepe tourism season is mostly spring and summer months but if your plans suits to winter or fall, it’s great this season too. You can walk around comfortably because it will be quiet. Still, it’s a good idea to check the current weather forecast.

What should I wear when visiting Gobekli Tepe?

We recommend that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes when visiting Gobekli Tepe. The temperature in Sanliurfa may rise especially during the summer. So you should refill your cotton clothes during your visit to Gobekli Tepe . 

Facts About Gobekli Tepe 2023

Here are some wonders about Gobekli Tepe 2023 which can be useful during your trip!

Let’s start with: How old is the Göbekli Tepe? Gobekli Tepe is close to 12.000 years old! Gobekli tepe is older than Mesopotamia, Egypt pyramids, and Stonehenge. Yes, that sounds incredible. There is amazing history and culture are waiting for you!

What is interesting about Göbekli Tepe? If you are an expert and you want to visit Gobekli Tepe, you need to apply for a permit in advance. You can do this by contacting the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Ankara or the Gobekli Tepe archaeological site itself. 

Also, you can find a Gobekli tepe tour guide for your trip to Sanliurfa .

Are there tunnels under Gobekli Tepe?

Yes, there are tunnels under Gobekli Tepe. The tunnels are believed to be part of an ancient water irrigation system. We hope the research there will enlighten us in the future. 

So, how much of Göbekli Tepe is still underground?

Well, Gobekli Tepe was discovered in 1963 but the excavations started in 1995. If you are asking, was Göbekli Tepe buried? Yes, it is. But why did they bury Göbekli Tepe? The strongest argument is about migration and climate change. People covered the temple while they were leaving this site. 

Gobekli Tepe Translation

Why is it called Göbekli Tepe ? That hill (hill means tepe in Turkish) has a gentle slope and this situation reminds the locals of the word: belly which means “göbek” . So they called it Göbeklitepe. Gobeklitepe is also known as Potbelly Hill in English. You can find many books and written sources in literature so get to know better with Gobekli Tepe information. Dive into the history of Gobekli tepe and learn more about that stunning mysterious ancient site Gobekli Tepe .

Gobekli Tepe is significant because it is the oldest known temple in the world. It also provides evidence for the existence of a sophisticated civilization that predates even the pyramids of Egypt. 

What is the meaning of Gobekli Tepe? Gobekli Tepe is thought to be a temple or a site of religious significance. The exact purpose of the site is still unknown,  but it is thought to be associated with the worship of animals or gods. 

What is the purpose of Göbekli Tepe?

Actually, there are lots of rumors, stories, and theories about Göbekli Tepe. One of the rumors is that Gobekli tepe country was a neolithic residential area. But there were no doors, so it couldn’t be the houses people lived in there. Gobekli tepe bible relative is still a mystery but we know that place is not a graveyard because there are no human bones there either. Besides, it is still a big mystery how they were built and why was Göbekli Tepe buried.

In which region are the ruins of Göbeklitepe located?

Where is go Göbekli Tepe located? The exact location of Göbekli Tepe is Örencik, 63290 Haliliye/ Şanlıurfa . If you are planning to go from Istanbul to Gobekli Tepe, the airway is the shortest way to Göbeklitepe.

Is Göbekli Tepe in Cappadocia? No, it is not. But if you want to go from Cappadocia to Gobekli Tepe, you can take a tour or drive for 7 hours. Buses are available as well but the journey takes almost 10 hours.

You may want to read about Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival

In 1963, Göbeklitepe was founded but until 1994, Gobekli Tepe diggings did not start. The best answer to this question: who discovered Gobekli Tepe , is definitely Klaus Schmidt. From 1996 to 2014 he led the excavations at Göbeklitepe.

The Gobekli Tepe controversy is underway since its discovery of it. There are so many Göbekli tepe theories, discussions about is Göbekli Tepe real or not, some Gobekli tepe hoaxes, and deceptive Gobekli tepe photos on the internet. 

If you want to visit Gobekli Tepe and learn more, we suggest you trust official sources either from Turkey or universal records.

What is so impressive about Göbekli Tepe?

Well, you can’t see 12.000 years of structures and sculptures every day! So this should be a big deal. Even Gobekli tepe images are very mystic and magical, being there would be amazing. Be the witness to the world’s oldest temple. Visit Gobekli Tepe and be aware of every detail. If you are wondering about Gobekli tepe animals, here are some spoilers for you!

You will be able to see T-shaped pillars, human reliefs without heads, snakes, sheep, mallards, scorpions, vultures, spider carvings, and more.

The builders of Gobekli Tepe are still unknown. However, it is thought that the site was built by a group of hunter-gatherers. Göbekli Tepe significance is very important and precious. Diggings of “çatalhöyük göbekli tepe” are the two important excavations for the history of humanity.

If you are wondering why Gobekli tepe was buried or who built the göbekli tepe is still a big mystery for historians and archaeologists.

If you are planning to visit the ancient site Gobekli Tepe and looking for places to stay around? You should better to stay in Sanliurfa city center because Göbeklitepe or Potbelly Hill don’t have hotels nearby. 

What hotels are near Gobekli Tepe?

There are several hotels near Gobekli Tepe that you may like.

• Sanliurfa Hilton Garden Inn
• Turkmen Konagi Hotel
• Dedeman Sanliurfa Hotel
• Harran Hotel

During your Sanliurfa and Gobekli tepe vacation , you can taste the famous local foods. What restaurants are near Gobekli Tepe ?

• Alya Ocakbasi
• Livva Restaurant
• Konak Restaurant
• Müzepotamia Guest House

Also, we prepared a Sanliurfa guide that you may want to look at.

Cultural Tips

Here are some famous books about Gobekli Tepe for you: Gobekli Tepe: Genesis of the Gods : The Temple of the Watchers and the Discovery of Eden. This book is written by Andrew Collins. It is a very famous source about Göbeklitepe .

Another book offered is an adventure novel: The Genesis Secret by Tom Knox . 

Gobekli tepe documentary Netflix

If you are looking for a nonfiction production, you should watch the Gobekli Tepe Documentary on National Geographic. 

There are any Gobekli tepe documentaries on Netflix but you can watch The Gift TV series from Netflix which is based in Gobekli Tepe Turkey.

This famous Turkish Netflix TV Series: The Gift tv series known as Atiye is a fiction about Gobekli Tepe. Watch and learn the gift Netflix symbol meaning.

Here are amazing 2023 Turkey tours that includes Gobeklitepe as well. Those cultural and archaeological tours Turkey are very fulfilling vacation options for you and your beloved ones!

• Southeast Anatolia Tour (Nemrut, Gobeklitepe, Zeugma)
• Daily private Gobeklitepe tours from Istanbul
• Gobeklitepe Catalhoyuk tours(eastern Turkey itinerary)
• Turkey itinerary 10 days tour (Gobeklitepe, Cappadocia , Ephesus , Istanbul , and more)
• 10 days tour of Mesopotamia

Every day we learn new things and the latest news from Gobekli Tepe . We will update the blog according to the news. What about Karahan Tepe?

Can you visit Karahan Tepe?

The experts still working on it. When Karahan Tepe will open itself for visitors, we will share with you the good news.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post and that it has everything you need to know before visit Gobekli Tepe in Turkey ! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Enjoy that Unesco heritage Gobekli Tepe 2023 . Safe travels !

Here are some frequently asking questions about Gobekli tepe Turkey. If you have more questions, drop them below!

How to visit Gobekli tepe?

You can visit Gobekli tepe from all the cities in Turkey. Many cities have buses and some cities has flights to near Gobekli tepe. You can also go to Gobeklitepe by car.

Is it safe to visit Gobekli tepe?

You can visit very touristy and popular point Gobekli tepe without any hesitations. But like in every touristic place, you should be aware of some main rules such as minding your personal belongings and be careful when meet a stranger etc.

Is Gobekli tepe open to the public?

Gobekli tepe is open for public visitors. You should pay the entrance fee in order to see Gobekli tepe from closer.

Can i visit Gobekli tepe?

Yes you can visit Gobekli tepe either by your own or through tours. Whichever you will choose, I would like to share with you some of other blog posts of mine. They can be helpful during your travel to Turkey. Here you are. Solo Travel To Turkey 10 Best Travel Wallets in 2023 Sanliurfa Turkey Guide 2023

Look at! Ultimate Itinerary: Sanliurfa Turkey Guide Visiting Mardin City: Complete Tour Guide Includes Midyat Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival 2023 Eastern Thrace Guide: Edirne, Kirklareli, Tekirdag

Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information.

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• Description

Located in the Germuş mountains of south-eastern Anatolia, this property presents monumental round-oval and rectangular megalithic structures erected by hunter-gatherers in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic age between 9,600 and 8,200 BCE. These monuments were probably used in connection with rituals, most likely of a funerary nature. Distinctive T-shaped pillars are carved with images of wild animals, providing insight into the way of life and beliefs of people living in Upper Mesopotamia about 11,500 years ago.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Situé dans la chaîne montagneuse du Germuş, en Anatolie du sud-est, ce bien présente des structures mégalithiques monumentales de forme ronde-ovale et rectangulaire érigées par des groupes de chasseurs-cueilleurs du néolithique précéramique, entre 9600 et 8200 avant notre ère. Ces monuments auraient vraisemblablement été utilisés dans le cadre de rituels, probablement funéraires. Des piliers caractéristiques en forme de T sont sculptés d’animaux sauvages qui donnent un aperçu de la vision du monde et des croyances des populations vivant en Haute Mésopotamie il y a environ 11 500 ans.

غوبيكلي تيبي

يمثل هذا الموقع، الموجود في سلسلة جبال غيرموس جنوب شرق الأناضول، إنشاءات معمارية مغليثية ضخمة دائرية ومستطيلة الشكل. وتفسر هذه الإنشاءات على أنها منشآت صخرية محصنة شيدها مجموعات من الصيادين والمزارعين في العصر الحجري الحديث بين عامي 9600 و 8200 قبل الميلاد. ولا شك أنّ هذه الآثار استخدمت لأغراض الطقوس الدينية، وربما في إحياء مراسم الدفن تحديداً. وقد نُقش على الأعمدة النمطية، المشيدة على شكل حرف T باللغة الإنجليزية رسومات لحيوانات برية، الأمر الذي يقدّم لمحة عن نظرة السكان حينها للعالم، وكذلك عن المعتقدات التي كانت لديهم في شمال بلاد الرافدين منذ قرابة 11500 عام. 

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

该遗产地位于安纳托利亚东南部的Germuş山脉，特征为巨大的圆形和矩形巨石结构，据信为狩猎采集者在公元前9600-8200年之前的陶器新石器时代竖立，被称为城邑。这些古迹很可能与丧葬仪式有关，独特的T形柱子上刻有野生动物的图像，从中可以窥见约1.15万年前生活在上美索不达米亚的人类的生活方式和信仰。

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

Göbekli Tepe is located in Upper Mesopotamia, a region which saw the emergence of the most ancient farming communities in the world. Monumental structures, interpreted as monumental communal buildings (enclosures), were erected by groups of hunter-gatherers in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period (10th-9th millennia BC). The monuments were probably used in connection with social events and rituals and feature distinctive limestone T-shaped pillars, some of which are up to 5.50 meters tall. Some of the pillars, which are abstract depictions of the human form, also feature low reliefs of items of clothing, e.g. belts and loincloths, as well as high and low reliefs of wild animals. Recent excavation works have also identified the remains of non-monumental structures which appear to stem from domestic buildings.

Criterion (i): The communities that built the monumental megalithic structures of Göbekli Tepe lived  during one of the most momentous transitions in human history, one which took us from hunter-gatherer lifeways to the first farming communities. The monumental buildings at Göbekli Tepe demonstrate  the creative human genius of these early (Pre-Pottery Neolithic) societies.

Criterion (ii): Göbekli Tepe is one of the first manifestations of human-made monumental architecture. The site testifies to innovative building techniques,  including the integration of frequently decorated T-shaped limestone pillars, which also fulfilled architectural functions. The imagery found at Göbekli Tepe, adorning T-pillars and some small finds (stone vessels, shaft-straighteners, etc.), is also found at contemporaneous sites in the Upper Mesopotamian region, thus testifying to a close social network in this core region of Neolithisation. 

Criterion (iv): Göbekli Tepe is an outstanding example of a monumental ensemble of monumental megalithic structures illustrating a significant period of human history. The monolithic T-shaped pillars were carved from the adjacent limestone plateau and attest to new levels of architectural and engineering technology. They are believed to bear witness to the presence of specialized craftsmen, and possibly the emergence of more hierarchical forms of human society.

Göbekli Tepe contains all the elements necessary for the expression of its Outstanding Universal Value and is of adequate size to ensure the complete presentation of the features and processes which convey its significance.

The physical fabric of the property is in good condition and the processes of deterioration are monitored and carefully controlled.

The conditions of integrity are potentially vulnerable in the buffer zone and wider setting of the property due to the future infrastructure projects (railway line) and the increase in visitor numbers likely to be generated.

Authenticity

The megalithic structures have largely retained the original form and design of their architectural elements, together with numerous decorative elements and craft works that provide an insight into the way of life of the societies that occupied the site. The results of more than twenty years of research and archaeological excavations on the site testify to its authenticity. Excavations and research under way since the mid-1990s also provide a more balanced and detailed view of the relationship between the various aspects of usage and the prehistoric importance of the property.

Protection and management requirements

Göbekli Tepe is legally protected by Law 2863/1983 on the Protection of the Cultural and Natural Properties, amended in 1987 and 2004. In 2005, the tell and the limestone plateau were inscribed as a 1st Degree Archaeological Conservation Site by the decision of the Diyarbakır Council for Conservation of Cultural and Natural Properties. In 2016, the buffer zone was registered as a 3rd Degree Archaeological Conservation Site, by the decision of the Şanlıurfa Council for Conservation of Cultural Properties.

The institutional framework for the implementation of the protection measures consists at national level of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, at regional level of the Şanlıurfa Council for Conservation of Cultural Properties, and at local level of Şanlıurfa Museum. Since 2014 the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has granted an excavation permit to Şanlıurfa Museum in collaboration with the German Archaeological Institute   .

The property, its buffer zone and its wider setting are protected by a strict regime of maintenance and control, derived from extensive statutory protection and state ownership. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, through the Şanlıurfa Museum and the German Archaeological Institute, has in place an effective system of monitoring of all the assets and their condition, which includes an ongoing maintenance programme.

The management plan was drawn up in 2013, revised in 2016 and finalised in 2017. Within the framework of the revised conservation legislation (Protection of Cultural and Natural Properties Law No.2863, 23/07/1983 as amended by the Law No.5226, 14/07/2004) and its supplementary Regulation on the Substance and Procedures of the Establishment and Duties of the Site Management and the Management Council and Identification of Management Sites No.26006, 27/11/2005, a site manager was appointed in 2014. An Advisory Board, set up in 2016, examines the management plan and submits proposals for decision-making and the implementation of the plan. A Coordination and Audit Board, also set up in 2016, examines and approves the draft master plan.

• Göbeklitepe: ground zero in history (in Turkish)
• Göbeklitepe archaeological site
• Göbeklitepe (in Turkish)
• Tepe Telegrams - From the Göbekli Tepe research project
• Google Arts & Culture: Story

State of Conservation (SOC)

Frugal Travellers

Join us as we wander the globe, how to visit gobekli tepe.

When we told our neighbour that we were going to Turkey, he told us we had to visit Gobekli Tepe, the 12,000 year old Neolithic temple that happened to be the oldest religious site in the world… and like almost everyone we’ve met, we’d never heard of it!

Gobekli Tepe has not yet arrived on the international tourist radar but it most certainly will do so. This Neolithic collection of stone circles is said to be the oldest temple ever built by mankind. At 12,000 years old it predates Stonehenge and the Pyramids by 6,500 years and is a wonder to behold.

The reason Gobekli Tepe has not really yet been ‘discovered’ by tourists is its remote location in a somewhat turbulent region. Although it requires effort to visit but it is well worth it. Recently declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2018, Gobekli Tepe is set to be the next big thing yet it receives hardly any visitors at present. This amazing site is just waiting to be discovered!

What is Gobekli Tepe?

Gobekli Tepe is a collection of stone circles which is thought to be a prehistoric site of worship. It was constructed by Neolithic man with stone tools. The circles consist of two large T shaped pillars facing each other in the centre, surrounded by a circle of smaller pillars. Also walls were built connecting the circle.

Many of the pillars are adorned with sculptures of images of animals and human forms, carved intricately into the rock with stone tools. Scientist are still trying to figure out the meaning of the images and theories are constantly being formed.

The site is enormous and only a small percentage has been excavated. Only 4 circles are exposed in the main excavation site and there are supposed to be over 20 in total. It is considered that the deeper buried stones underground will be even older, some expected to date back up to 14,000 years.

Watch – Visiting Gobekli Tepe The short version

Gobekli Tepe creates a new theory

Gobekli Tepe is an enigma that has confounded archaeologists worldwide and turned around the conventional view of how mankind settled into an organised society. Before Gobekli Tepe it was considered that prehistoric man settled from hunting and gathering into a farming lifestyle, domesticating animals and crops. Then with the free time and energy we were able to build communities, settlements and eventually temples as places of worship.

But the findings at Gobekli Tepe show that this site was constructed well before the hunter gatherers settled and the domestication of the wild Einkorn wheat in the area came afterwards. The need for a large group to construct the site of worship was the impetus to settle, not the result of settlement.

A very good article from the Smithsonian for further reading here

Moving on – Read One Month In Iran

Where is Gobekli Tepe?

Gobekli Tepe is in the region of Eastern Anatolia, modern-day south east Turkey, only 50 kilometers from the border with Syria. It is only 12 kilometers outside the ancient city of Sanliurfa which is the perfect base to visit the site.

This area is located in the northern edge of the Fertile Crescent. This was the fertile area that is considered to be the dawn of civilisation, where mankind was able to live off the land and benefit from its fecundity. The Fertile Crescent stretches from the Levant, across modern-day Syria, into Turkey and northern Iraq. This was called Mesopotamia, the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers where the land was rich and bountiful.

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Historical context

Gobekli Tepe is 12,000 years old

To fully appreciate the enormity of this discovery we have to try to understand the historical context of this site of worship. This is what totally blows my mind!! It was built by neolithic man with stone age tools, yet he was skilled enough to carve elaborate images into the stones. Images that had huge significance and which hopefully, one day, we will be able to understand the meaning of. This was completed 6,000 years before writing was invented!

Other megaliths and historic sites around the world pale in comparison as far as age is concerned. I do not want to do them injustice but the other megaliths are babies in relative time. Stonehenge is a mere 4,500 years old and there is not a single image carved on those stones. Likewise, the Pyramids of Giza are also around 4,500 years old and until recently they were considered to be a symbol of the rise of human civilisation.

We can now see why the discovery of Gobekli Tepe has to be one of the most ground breaking archaeological discoveries of our time!

First go to the Sanliurfa musem

So now you understand how ground breaking this place is and you want to visit. Get yourself to Sanliurfa and then the first thing you want to do is pay a visit to the vastly impressive Sanliurfa museum.

The museum has a large collection of artifacts excavated from Gobekli Tepe and the surrounding area which date back to the same time period as the site. There are many carved stone sculptures and a lot of tools to show what neolithic man was working with.

The prize find in the Sanliurfa museum is the Urfa man. The oldest full size stone sculpture of man in the world. He was found in the Sanliurfa area and is 11,000 years old.

As well as the carvings, there are a lot of explanations and information on life in Mesopotamia 12,000 years ago and it really prepares you for a visit to Gobekli Tepe. Moreover, many of the significant carved stones have been recreated so you can have a good look at the detail up close which is hard to do at the site because you are looking from a distance above there.

We spent over 4 hours at the museum absorbing all the fascinating information and it really helped to improve our understanding of the story and our enjoyment of the visit to the temple.

The museum is open 8 – 5 Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays

Entrance fee – 14 Lira

The fee includes entrance to the Mosaic museum next door which is also well worth a look to see the uncovered Greek mosaics from ancient Edessa.

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Gobekli Tepe is 12 kilomters N/E of Sanliurfa.

The cheapest way to get there is by public transport. The Sanliurfa city council have put on a bus that leaves 3 times a day to and from Sanliurfa. The first bus of the day leaves from the Museum at 9.45 and the Abide bus station at 10.00

The bus costs 5 TL each way and you pay the driver on the bus.

It returns at 12pm, 3pm and 6pm

During the 30 minute journey out to the site you really get a feel of how fertile the region is as you pass fields of productive farmland growing corn, cotton and wheat.

See the timetable below.

The Abide bus station is in the north of the centre near to the big roundabout where the Havas airport shuttle leaves from. Look for the huge Turkey flag painted on the side of a building. On Maps.Me it is marked as Airport Shuttle.

Arriving at Gobekli Tepe

On arrival you buy a ticket from the brand new ticket office. It costs 36 TL to visit the site which includes the shuttle bus which takes you the 1 kilometre from the ticket office to the stones and back.

There is a highly informative and interesting animation centre near to the ticket office which shows a short documentary on the history and the meaning of the site. The animation is a large movie screen display of the rise of the neolithic civilisation and the construction of the site and is very well done. It costs an extra 6 TL and is definitely worth the money as it really puts the site into perspective.

The combined ticket is 42 TL

Watch – Visiting Gobekli Tepe The full version

Our experience visiting Gobekli Tepe

After spending a good hour and a half marvelling at the displays in the animation centre, we stepped out into the brutal heat of an August day with the temperature pushing 40 degrees. Next an air conditioned shuttle bus whizzed us up to the excavation site bus stop. From there it was a short walk on a custom made board walk to the main excavation area.

The first thing we noticed was the lack of people around the site. Normally at a site of this magnitude there would be an army of tour groups jostling for position but here there were only a handful of visitors with all the space in the world to stand and soak in the views which was so refreshing.

Take your time

An enormous roof has been constructed over the stones to preserve the carvings and to protect the archaeologists from the harsh sun i imagine. Consequently it is a little difficult to photograph the images on the stones as the detail of the sculpture is in shade. Therefore, this is another good reason to head to the museum in Sanliurfa to take close up photos of the copies of carvings on display there.

The board walk encircles the main excavation site and the structures A,B,C and D which are the best preserved structures of Gobekli Tepe. We spent hours slowly circumnavigating the circles, observing the many T pillars from every different angle conceivable. It’s amazing what the eye can see when you give yourself time to observe and these captivating carvings really deserve the time spent on close inspection. We were totally awe struck to think that these images were carved by neolithic man 12,000 years ago using stone age tools.

Don’t forget to look out for the highlights

• The Vulture stone at structure B
• The carving on the tallest T-pillars at structure D
• The 3 dimensional predator at structure C

In conclusion our visit was, for us, a highlight of this region. We spent almost 5 hours at the stones in total. Not only did we find the structures at Gobekli Tepe intriguing but the stunning location had us captivated too. This World Class site was well worth the effort to visit. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see, first hand one of history’s greatest archaeological discoveries.

Where to stay in Sanliurfa

Aslan Konuk Evi guest house – 50 TL each in the 9 bed dorm .

As Frugal Travellers we always search for the best bargains. When it comes to accommodation and we found a great one here at the Aslan. We shopped around a bit when we arrived in Sanliurfa but chose this because it is in a great location, the owners are very friendly, the free breakfast is substantial and it is set in a wonderful, historic house in the old town. The dorm is an atmospheric vaulted basement with character. We loved staying here so much we extended for 6 nights and would return in a flash.

Who are the frugal Travellers?

How to get to Sanliurfa

Sanliurfa is a big city and has plenty of transport links with the rest of the country. Buses go to all the big Turkish cities. We arrived and left by bus from the Otogar on the northern outskirts of the city. There are a few local buses from the Otogar into the centre of Sanliurfa which costs 2.50 TL (US 42 cents)

We arrived by bus from Iraqi Kurdistan which took 17 hours from Erbil and cost US $35 . Read about Erbil here.

We left by bus to Nevshehir in Cappadocia to go to Goreme . We took the night bus so saved on accommodation, leaving at 7.30 pm and took 10 hours . Cost 100 TL

100 TL = US$ 17

See the latest exchange rate on XE.COM

Some useful Turkish bus company and booking websites

• NeredenNereye
• Metro Turizm 

Choosing to Isolate in Krakow, Poland during the Covid-19 pandemic

Comment below

What are your thoughts on Gobekli Tepe? Do you have any theories? Would you like to visit?

Please leave us a comment below if you have anything to add or have any questions about visiting Gobekli Tepe? We’d love to hear from you!

Happy Travels!

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42 thoughts on “ how to visit gobekli tepe ”.

Another good, in-depth article.

Thank you for your kind words. This really was a huge travel highlight for us and we hope we can inspire others to visit.

can you actually get up close to the tall stones, touch the carvings, and walk amongst the ruins?

No – you walk around the ruins on the elevated walkway. The best close-up views of the stones are the ones in the Sanliurfa Archeological museum – it’s well worth a visit before going to Gobekli Tepe.

Awsome, thanks! Will follow your instructions now

Excellent! We so recommend going to the Şanlıurfa Archeological Museum first – we spent almost a full day there, and it really added to the Göbekli Tepe experience! Have a wonderful time!

Hi there! I’d like to know which season is better to go (which months). Thanks!

Hi there. We were there in August and it was ridiculously hot! We’d advise going in the northern hemisphere spring or autumn… or if you go in summer, take plenty of water. It’s an incredible place to visit – have an excellent time there!

This is super helpful. Thank you for the detailed descriptions and directions. I’ll be visiting in early May when the weather should be a little kinder. Thanks again!

We are glad to be of assistance Anne. You’ll love it there. It really is a remarkable place. One of the most thought provoking sights I’ve ever visited on earth. If you think of any questions, we’ll be glad to assist. Enjoy!

Thank you for this informative article. Hopefully I’ll be visiting later this year when the global situation starts to improve. I am absolutely fascinated by ancient history and the origins of mankind. I tend to believe that the truth is quite distanced from much of what mainstream archaeology teaches, and seeing this site in person would be a truly mindblowing experience. Cheers from Seattle.

Hi Ashton I’m glad you enjoyed the article and found it useful. I’m sure the global situation will improve eventually and we can all get back to our normal lives. The situation at the moment feels really surreal. Gobekli Tepe is a truly fascinating place. The thing I love about it is that it has already disproved a lot of conventional thought from mainstream archaeology and there are possibly many more secrets buried under there which can reveal even more. If there is one place on earth worth visiting then it is right there! Hope you get to see it!

Hola, me interesa mucho viajar a Turquía, soy un loco por la historia antigua, pero no se inglés, sería un problema, es posible un guía de habla Español, gracias?

Hola David. Seguro que Gobekli Tepe es un sitio absolutamente increible para alguien que tiene interes en la historia antigua. Creo que puede ser un poco dificil viajar en Turquia sin hablar ingles, pero no impossible. No se guias ahi porque mi primer lengua es ingles. Nosotros utilizemos mucho el Google Translate app para traducir lenguas cuando viajamos. Es gratis y puede descargar cualquier lengua que quieres para que pueda utilizarla offline. Suerte amigo.

Really enjoyed your in depth article. I will be visiting Turkey after the travel bans are lifted and this is one place I want to go to. Thanks again for sharing your experience!

So glad you enjoyed the article, Carol. You’re going to love visiting Gobekli Tepe when you can. Hopefully in the near future. Wishing you safe and happy travels!

Hi, I’m in Turkey. I’d like to visit Gobekli Tepe but this zone os not recommend by my embassy because of the proxymity with Syria. How did you feel there ? Is it safe ?

Sorry about the delay in responding. Haven’t checked this for a while. We felt totally safe there in August 2019. The only indication we were close to a conflict zone was the occasional Turkish fighter jet buzzing overhead nearby. It’s always best to check the current situation before travelling.

Hello, it’s July 2021 and I’ve just been to Gobekli Tepe! Your advice was brilliant, thank you very much. The site is spectacular! The museum superb, the whole thing is so well done! I feel very safe in Sanliurfa and also did at the site itself. It’s a very relaxed city. The bus fair is now 6 not 5 and the bus comes back at 4 not 3 (but that could be because it’s a Sunday) . Highly recommended visiting, so much history here. Friendly locals. All good!

Thank you so much for your excellent comment, David! We’re so pleased our post was of assistance. Thank you for sharing the recent changes to the bus price and return time… that will be so useful for fellow frugal travellers! – Mandy

Fascinating post, thanks for sharing the info. I’ve been wanting to visit Gobekli Tepe for some time and hopefully this will now be possible in 2022. It was great to see the options for travelling frugally, we’d be a bit less budget so looking to fly and use guest house/hotel rather than a dorm, has anyone got any recommendations for good places to stay in Sanliufra?

Hello Andy Thank you for your great comment and we’re pleased our information will be helpful to you. Maybe check Booking dot com to see what is available in Sanliurfa, accommodation-wise. We hope your trip goes ahead and that you are as enthralled by Gobekli Tepe as we were,and still are! All the best! ~ Mandy

Thanks Mandy, found a hotel on B.com and flights booked! Excited to be finally able to visit after following the excavations for so long online!

Thanks so much for this blog post. Thanks to this we ended up being able to visit and are currently sitting in the Gobekli Tepe cafe waiting for the next bus back. The fare is now 13TL each way but as the lira has dropped against the pound it probably equates to much the same. I’ve got a few other updates that I’ll post when we get home but thanks again!

Good article. It was deliberately BURIED 12,000 years ago – it was built far earlier than that. It is a city, not a collection of stone circles. They were making sophisticated buildings and farming way before it was believed there was any civilisation.

I will go there again. Really amazing historical experience ever! I’ve also seen Gobekli tepe in “The Gift” which is a very popular Netflix series.

This site is on the top of my list. I don’t know if I will have time to see it during an upcoming visit, but will during the next! I had no idea that the public could visit the site! Thanks so much for this article!

So well written Lee and Mandy accurate and professional. I’d been to GT about 7 years ago and had researched it well that time – I’m off to it again today but only just researching it now and found this so interesting. Thanks. Next few days I’m going to try to look at a new site I’ve just heard about called Karahan it’s on my journey from Urfa to Mardin.

Hello Tommy Apologies for the delay in replying! We are so pleased you enjoyed this blog post, and would like to thank you for sharing your experiences, and hope you had a wonderful return visit after 7 years! Wishing you all the best, Mandy and Lee

Q: Coming from US, what airport in Turkey do you recommend flying into? Many thanks for the detailed local travel information, I just have no clue where I would actually arrive to begin this marvelous adventure. I did not see this mentioned in the video… Many thanks, John in dallas texas

Hello John Thank you for your question. We didn’t fly into or out of Turkey… instead we travelled by bus from Georgia to Turkey, then by bus from Turkey to Bulgaria, so unfortunately don’t have any knowledge of Turkish airports. Friends recently flew to and from Istanbul and said it was a good experience. Wishing you all the best with your travel plans, Mandy and Lee

Thank you for your very informative website.

I am taking my 14 yearly son to see this wonderful site and was wondering if you could tell me how many days you would recommend staying there? I was considering 6 nights but wondered if there was enough to see and do for that amount of time including things to see Sanliurfa. Alternatively I could book a few days in Istanbul as we would be arriving there first. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am in the middle of booking things up for Easter

Many Thanks Shaun

Hello Shaun Thank you for your question. There is a lot to see and do in Sanliurfa, and Gobekli Tepe is absolutely brilliant, so 6 days could be a good amount of time, especially when visiting the museum and the birthplace of Abraham. It depends on your energy level… Istanbul is amazing and bustling, we spent 10 days there and barely scratched the surface! Whatever you decide, we hope you both have a wonderful time! Mandy and Lee

Hi Lee and Mandy,

I have read this post approx 3 times and also seen the YouTube relating to this. I am now sat in my bed in Sanliurfa, at 0430hrs, waiting for my missus to wake up so we can go and explore the place for ourselves. We will also visit Karahan Tepe, which I believe is similar. Really looking forward to it and was put on to the place by you guys, so thank you.

Hi Ryan. This is so wonderful to hear that you have made it to Sanliurfa and that you will be visiting Gobekli Tepe. We sincerely hope that you have as good experience as we had there. It is truly a unique place and well worth the effort to get there in our eyes. Try to visit the museum in Sanliurfa as well if you can as it really helps to explain more about the place. We’d love to hear any feedback you have about your experience there. Best of luck and happy travels. Lee and Mandy.

I enjoyed your article. Can you email me and advise how many days do i need to plan my visit to this city from Istanbul? If time is tight, do you suggest any airlines to use to fly there and back? any other hotels that you can recommend? Is there any tour to take us from Istanbul to this city and including local transport etc? I can’t find any from Viator. Pls advise.

Hi Matt. Sorry we´ve been away from this site for a while concentrating on our YouTube channel. I hope your trip to Turkey went well and you made it to Gobekli Tepe. We didn´t fly internally in Turkey so do not know of any airlines. I would check booking.com for accommodation options.

Just for those looking to fly in to see Gobekli Tepe. I decided to fly from Instabul to Sanliurfa Airport (GNY) found a Pegasus/Turkish Airline fare for $80 to do a one day tour to add to my Turkey tour I already booked before I found out about Gobekli Tepe. Found a day tour for $340 but thinking I can take bus or taxi in and save a bunch more money. They wanted $660 for flights/transports/tour.

Wat een geweldig artikel. Wij reizen al jarenlang naar alle bijzondere krachtplekken en archeologische sites. Göbekli Tepe staat hoog op ons lijstje. Wat ik mis hoe je vanuit NL het best naar deze mooie plek kunt reizen. Via Istanbul en dan aansluitende vlucht? Ik hoor graag van jullie. Complimenten voor deze prachtige site!

Thanks for your comment. We hope you enjoy Gobekli Tepe.

Hello my husband, son and daughter-in law intend on visiting Gobekli Tepe in March 2024. I was looking for a tour with someone who could discuss what we would be looking at and put things in context but the tours seem quite expensive. Do you recommend just reading up on the site in advance? Are there any headsets with English narration at the entrance ?

Hello Mary. We did not do any official tours ourselves so cannot recommend any. It’s well worth reading up in advance and pay a visit to the museum in Sanliurfa before going. There is a lot of great information at the entrance to Gobekli Tepe also. Hope you have a great visit.

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Göbekli Tepe Is A Fully Developed Attraction, Here's What To Know

Göbekli Tepe is now a fully developed attraction and everyone should visit the visitor center, the archeological site, the archeological museum.

Anyone interested in ancient history should visit the neolithic site of Göbekli Tepe, it is a site that predates any city or other sophisticated settled site currently known. Today the archeological site has been well developed and is a must for anyone visiting Turkey - Turkey is one of those counties with an impossibly long list of "musts" to see and do.

Gobekli Tepe is so old that it makes the pyramids look young  and yet is it not likely even the oldest site - its currently-being-studied sister site of Karahan Tepe is likely to be even older. Gobekli Tepe is much older than Stonehenge in the United Kingdom .

Şanlıurfa - The Gateway To Göbekli Tepe And Other Archeological Sites

The base for exploring Göbekli Tepe is the city of Urfa (officially called "Şanlıurfa"). Urfa is the ancient city of Edessa that was important during Roman times and an important rich contested border region between the Parthians and the Romans.

Şanlıurfa: The Ancient City of Edessa (Called "Urfa" by The Locals)

Time Needed: At Least Two Full Days In Şanlıurfa

This region is full of things to see and do. When planning one's trip to Göbekli Tepe, plan to spend at least two days in Urfa. The musts to see and do here include visiting Gobekli Tepe and the Archeological Museum in the city. A couple of hours out of the city is another ancient site, Karahan Tebe, that is perhaps even older than Gobekli Tepe. But that is still currently being excavated.

Related:  This 9,000-Year-Old Turkish City Might Be Older Than The Pyramids

Visiting Gobekli Tepe Information Center and Archeological Site

Gobekli Tepe is around a 20-minute drive from the city. It is very easy to take a taxi there and taxis will normally wait for one to explore the site.

There are many many signs along the road showing the way to Gobekli Tepe complete with replicas of the T-pillars lining the road.

Arriving at the site, one will be greeted with a brand new information center where one starts one's visitor and purchases the ticket. The information center has a couple of gift shops and a small cafe.

Admission Fee: 65 Turkish Lira in 2022 ($5)

Information Center: There Is A Large and New Information Center There

After the first building, there is the information building of the visitor center adjacent to the building with the gift shop and cafe. This introduces the site so that everyone will have an idea of what to expect and what the ruins once looked like in their heyday. The visitor center explains the background of the period and the site and how the climate was different 10,000 years ago.

Video: There Is a Very Dramatic Immersive Video At The Visitor Center

There is a very dramatic video shown on a very large curved wall. It shows the prehistoric people of the forest and is designed to excite people for the archeological site they are to see. It is a dramatic artistic depiction of ancient sharmanist religions.

When one can walk or take the shuttle bus from the visitor center to the archeological site. The shuttle bus leaves every 10 minutes or so and likely every 5 minutes in the summer. The site is protected by a large roof to shelter the excavated ruins from the elements.

Shuttle: There Is A Shuttle Leaving Every Few Minutes Up The Hill To The Site

Remember this is very much an active archeological site with only a very small part of the site excavated. Come in the right season and one is likely to see the archeologists hard at work.

Related:  Still Excavating Gobekli Tepe: What's Been Most Recently Discovered

Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum:

After Gobekli Tebe one should see the Şanlıurfa Archeaology Museum. It exhibits many of the artifacts discovered in Gobekli Tebe and delves deeply into its past and the current understanding of the important site.

Opening Hours : 8.30 am to 4.30 pm

It has large exact replicas from the site of its massive T-shaped monoliths and other finds and is the best museum on this site anywhere. Urfa has several other museums very much worth seeing.

Karahan Tepe:

Karahan Tepe is one of the sister sites of Gobekli Tepe and is currently being excavated. One can (and should) also visit this site. It is not yet fully developed so don't expect the same developed visitor center as at Gobekli Tepe and there is no public transport to the site (there is a shuttle running from the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum to Gobekli Tepe).

Karaha Tepe: Likely The Older Sister Site of Gobekli Tepe

To visit one will need to take a tour or hire a car. This site is believed to be even older but the official research papers are yet to be published. This region holds many secrets and mysteries that are coming to light now with more being learned every year.

Next:  Karahan Tepe is Called The 'Sister Site' Of Gobekli Tepe In Turkey (And Is Just As Old)

Göbekli Tepe - Day Trips

Visit Göbekli Tepe and feel the pulse of time…

Here at Göbekli Tepe lie the remains of the earliest religious structures built by man yet to be discovered.

At about 11000-13000 years old this site pre-dates both pottery and writing and is far older that either Stonehenge in England or the great Egyptian Pyramids. In fact, less time separates us from the builders of Stonehenge than separates the builders of Stonehenge from the last known use of Göbekli Tepe.

Göbekli Tepe may have been in use as a point of gathering for religious and ritual events for over 2000 years and it represents a major advance in our understanding of man’s early history.

Şanlıurfa – (no overnight)

In  Şanlıurfa  (Urfa) you will be met by your driver.  You  will travel to the on-going archaeological dig at  Göbekli Tepe . Göbekli Tepe is one of the most important archaeological digs currently being undertaken anywhere in the world – this site represents a major shift in our understanding of man’s cultural evolution.

Drive back to  Şanlıurfa . Visit the  Şanlıurfa  Archaeological and Mosaic Museum, which is the largest museum complex in Turkey. Then onto the Pools of Abraham and the Cave where local tradition says the Prophet Abraham was born.

Transfer to Şanlıurfa airport.

Self-guided tour (driver only) does not include museum and site entries.

Price in dollars (US)

Price includes: Driver and all road transport.

Not included: Beverages, personal expenses, meals and visas (Please contact us if you require any information regarding flights)

Optional tour extensions are available to destinations in the region.

Did you know...

More time separates the builders of Göbekli Tepe from the builders of Stonehenge than separates the builders of Stonehenge from us.

Sanliurfa originally known as the ancient city of Edessa. This was the first state to accept Christianity approximately 190 AD.

Local tradition states that the Prophet Abraham was born here. His home for a short time was Haran just a short distance away which is mentioned in the Bible.

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Tips For Visiting Gobekli Tepe: The World’s Oldest Known Temple

Discover the ancient marvel of Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest man-made structure! Uncover the mysteries of this archaeological wonder and plan your journey back in time with our tips and tricks from real-world experience. From its enigmatic origins to practical travel tips, embark on an unforgettable adventure to this prehistoric masterpiece. Unearth the secrets of Göbekli Tepe and immerse yourself in history like never before.

As my family gazed down into the deep pit, it was hard to fathom the extreme history that stood at its base.

Jutting up from the brown dirt are a series of oval walls sprinkled with towering, 18-foot tall stones, each weighing 8-10 metric tons and decorated with carvings of animals and human figures. These intricate and beautiful stones may not be the most majestic of all of the ancient ruins in Turkiye. But what separates the ruins of Gobekli Tepe from some of the world’s most famous ancient sites isn’t beauty.

It’s age.

You see, Gobekli Tepe isn’t just the most fascinating temple in Turkiye. It’s the oldest temple in the world.

In fact, at an estimated age of 11,600 years, Gobekli Tepe is the oldest man-made structure ever found.

Gobekli Tepe is so old that the first evidence of its monumental construction is just about the same time that humans first discovered agriculture. To think that these towering stones were mounted, carved, and put on displays at about the first time that the first fig trees were planted is mind-blowing. And that’s why we’ve listed it as one of the best places to visit in Turkiye .

As my family explored the remains of this fascinating structure, it was hard not to be overwhelmed by he sheer weight of the history of Gobekli Tepe. A visit here was the very reason that we left the wonders of Cappadocia to travel to the southeast corner of Turkiye , just 34 miles from the Syrian border.

And it was worth it.

The History Of Gobekli Tepe

It was the spring of 1986 when a farmer, Şafak Yıldız, set to plow his fields for the summer harvest.

Over the past few years, Yildiz had become frustrated with parts of his field. Large stones jutted from some areas, making for obstacles that he needed to plow around. He had tried digging these stones out, but they seemed to go too deep. Instead, he got to work trying to file them down so they wouldn’t damage his plows.

This year, though, something else caught his attention. Yildiz found an ugly statue, a very phallic one, which he brought home to his family. His wife told him under no circumstances was this hideous thing to remain in their family home.

Six years later, the statue was uncovered by Klaus Schmidt , a German archaeologist. Thinking that there may be something more to this ugly sculpture, he had the item carbon-dated. The results shocked him and the world of archaeology.

The results came back with a date of around 12,000 years.

After some negotiation with Yildiz and the nearby villagers, Schmidt received permission to excavate an area that appeared to be a man-made mound, uncovering small stones with little historical significance. But then, Yildiz shows Schmidt an area of the property where he had struggled with some large stones that hindered his harvest.

The area was excavated, and what they unearthed completely rewrote the world’s understanding of human history. It was the oldest structure ever found to be built by humans, and it was far more grand and impressive than anyone had ever expected.

This massive temple structure was intricately carved, and the engineering behind setting these huge stones would have been far more advanced than anything believed possible at the time. After all, Gobekli Tepe is more than 6,000 years older than the Great Pyramids of Giza and 5,500 years older than the first monuments at Stonehenge.

Our Experience At Gobekli Tepe

The previous day had been a long one. My family had arrived in Nemrut via a flight from Cappadocia late at night and then woke up early the next morning to summit the historic and beautiful Mount Nemrut for sunrise. The rest of our day was spent exploring these sites between Mount Nemrut and the city of Sanliurfa , where we spent the night.

We spent the night at Sehrazat Konagi hotel in Sanliurfa and were picked up by our Tours by Locals guide Taho , who is one of Turkiye’s foremost experts on Gobekli Tepe. If you are looking for an amazing guide, I highly recommend hiring him.

Taho early in the morning for a big day of exploring the top things to do in Sanliurfa and the surrounding area. Our first stop was the main reason for heading out to the far east of Turkiye, a visit to the world’s oldest man-made structure, Gobekli Tepe.

The drive from Sanliurfa to Gobekli Tepe took about 25-minutes. Before we knew it, we were pulling up the long drive to the parking lot. Taho hopped out to pick up our tickets and we all made use of the facilities before exploring the ruins.

The Gobekli Tepe site is not a massive city like Ephesus or even a small town like the ruins of Kayakoy near Fethiye. Everything is located within the bounds of a small hill that juts out from the surrounding landscape.

My youngest son, Dylan, pointed out as we walked up toward the shuttle bus, “You can see everything from here.” Gobekli Tepe really was built in a perfect location for both safety and inspiration.

We strolled up to the Dome and were immediately blown away by the sheer size of the massive pillars. To think that humans had the ingenuity to carve and erect stones as large as this nearly 12,000 years ago is astounding.

We were so gobsmacked by the size of the site that it took a few moments for us to notice the intricate carvings found throughout the Gobekli Tepe ruins.

Taho was able to expertly point out some of the sites most astounding features such as the three-dimensional carving on a pillar in Building C as well as some of the assumed meanings of the animals and symbols chosen in the pillars.

When we reached Building C, Taho also was able to point out the first clear evidence that the pillars were actually intended to represent figures with unmistakeable blets and hands resting on their bellies.

After we had toured all of the building of Gobekli Tepe, Taho had another surprise in store for us at the Gobekli Tepe gift shop.

Şafak Yıldız, the farmer who unearthed the statue that led to the remarkable discovery of Gobekli Tepe, died a few years back, not long after his property unveiled one of the world’s most astounding archaeology sites. But part of the agreement to allow the work to be done was for his family to be taken care of.

His grandson, Ridvan, mans the Gobekli Tepe gift shop. We were able to meet with him and learn a little about his experiences at the site as well.

After our visit to Gobekli Tepe, we spent the rest of the day checking out some of the attractions in the area, including one of the world’s oldest universities, The Harran University, which was launched in the 12th century along with the historic 12th-century mud houses of Harran.

We also made our way into the city of Sanliurfa itself to explore the sacred fish of Abraham’s Pond and the cave that’s believed to be the birthplace of the Muslim and Christian prophet Abraham.

We also made a stop at the Gümrük Hanı market, one of the city’s best shopping areas, where we picked up a few souvenirs to bring home and enjoyed a regional favorite, pistachio hot chocolate.

Tips For Visiting Gobekli Tepe

Until a few years ago, Gobekli Tepe was not well known. However, when it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, its popularity exploded.

The site itself is pretty sparse. There’s a gift shop and cafe near the Gobekli Tepe parking lot and a covered waiting area where shuttles take visitors up the hill to the main archaeological site.

At the base of the main area is another small cafe and gift shop, along with modern toilets.

Beyond that, the entire Gobekli Tepe site is essentially just covered ruins with walkways connecting them. An ideal reflection of the ancient culture that created these incredible ruins.

The entire Gobekli Tepe archaeological site is connected by a series of accessible walkways. It can be visited by those with mobility devices as there are ramps throughout.

Here are a few tips to help you plan your visit to Gobekli Tepe:

• Tickets – Tickets can be obtained at the entrance to Gobekli Tepe. It may be one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, but it’s nowhere near as famous as places like Ephesus and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul , so you don’t need to book ahead.
• Clothing – Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing to Gobekli Tepe. Remember that the temperature here can vary throughout the year. There is not much shade either. Apart from the gift shop and cafe, the entire archaeological site is outdoors. Pack a good sunhat and comfortable shoes, and don’t forget sunscreen .
• Respect the Archaeological Site: Gobekli Tepe is one of the oldest known examples of monumental architecture, dating back to around 9600 BCE. Show respect for this ancient site by following all rules and guidelines set by the authorities. Avoid touching the ancient stones or any carvings, and stay on designated paths to help preserve the archaeological integrity of the site for future generations.
• Book a Guided Tour: Consider joining a guided tour led by knowledgeable professionals who can provide valuable insights into the history, architecture, and significance of Gobekli Tepe. Guides can enhance your understanding of the site’s cultural and historical context, making the visit more educational and enjoyable. I highly recommend booking Taho from Tours by Locals . He was a wealth of information and a wonderful human being.
• Stay Hydrated: Apart from the main dig sites, there’s not much shade at Gobekli Tepe. The sun can be intense, especially during the summer months, so staying hydrated is crucial. Pack a filtered water bottle so that you’ll have access to clean water wherever you are. It’s an important way to stay healthy while traveling .

What To See At Gobekli Tepe

Gobekli Tepe is setup in a series of buildingsor dig sites that have been essential to uncovering the mysteries of this ancient site. There are well-maintained walking paths connecting each of these buildings.

All of the buildings are open air, but some of the more historically important sites are protected by fabric covers that can help reduce the effects of the elements.

The entire Gobekli Tepe site is actually quite compact. In fact, Buildings A through D are all located right next to each other and are protected under a covered platform dubbed “the dome.” Access to the buildings themselves are restricted, but visitors can see everything from a series of elevated walkways that encircle them.

Building E is the first landmark that most visitors will see when exploring Gobekli Tepe. This open-air dig site once featured pillars and walls, similar to some of the other temple sites located throughout the ruins. While evidence of them remains, the actual stones have disappeared.

You’ll be able to see the pedestals which held the dig sites to the tallest pillars. While the main stones are no longer here, building E offers one of the best views of the smooth cut marks left in the rocks by the builders showing that they had the ability to not just carve, but polish these huge stones.

As you enter the covered area dubbed “the dome,” the first dig site that you’ll encounter is Building A or “the Snake Pillar Building.” This was among the very first sites at Gobekli Tepe to be excavated. It’s also one of the largest.

Building A contains five of Gobekli Tepe’s famous T-Pillars along with a collection of pillars spaced out along the inner walls. The entire building measures about 39 feet by 42.5 feet in an oval shape. On the largest of the two central pillars you’ll see the unmistakeable carving of a serpent along with groups of snakes forming mesh-like pattern.

The other central pillar shows some extensive damage to the top. This is where farmer Şafak Yıldız attempted to carve away the rock that was interrupting his cultivation. On this pillar is a carving of a, now extinct, form of cattle called an Auroch. Look closely and you’ll also find a fox and a bird.

Building B was excavated in 1998 and is one of the most fascinating of all of the dig sites within Gobekli Tepe. The site contains 11 pillars placed atop a terrazzo floor. This type of floor was made with a plaster created by mixing burnt limestone with water in order to create flat, even floors.

At the center of building B are two central pillars. One with the unmistakable relief of a fox with a bushy tail.

Directly between the two central pillars is a hole in the surrounding walls topped with the head of a bull with two foxes or wolves looking up at it.

Directly opposite building B is building C. This is one of the largest dig sites in Gobekli Tepe and has two different layers to its surrounding walls. In the center are two large T-pillars, while the surrounding walls have nine, although it’s believed that the original structure contained several more.

One of the unique aspects of building C is that the pedestals holding the two central pillars were dug directly out of the bedrock rather than being carved from individual stones. Unfortunately, both of the central pillars are damaged, but you can still see the reliefs of foxes carved into them.

Between the two pillars, archaeologists found a sculpture of a boar. The sculpture is now on display at the Sanliurfa Museum .

Another fascinating aspect of building C is that one of the intact T-pillars on the outer ring is topped with a carving of five flightless birds standing above a wild boar.

If you look closely at the central ring, look for the three-dimensional figure of an animal on the side of one of the pillars. It’s pretty amazing that this detailed carving has survived for so many thousands of years.

On the far side of the entrance under the dome is building D. This is believed to be the oldest of all of the temples at Gobekli Tepe and has been dated to about 9,500 BCE or 11,500 years ago.

Each of the central pillars of Building D is a massive 18 feet tall and weighs over 15 tons. Like building C, these pillars were mounted on pillars carved from the natural bedrock. The pillars are fairly shallow, and archaeologists have added wooden support structures to help keep these monoliths standing.

Building D offers one of the best examples of something that can be vaguely seen on all of the central pillars, and that is the shape of a human with their hands wrapped around the belly. This draws the conclusion that each of the pillars represents an important figure or religious being that the makers of Gobekli Tepe may have worshipped.

They bear a striking resemblance to Urfa Man, the world’s oldest statue, which dates back to around the same period. It was found in Sanliurfa and is on display at the city’s museum.

The final stop on our explorations of Gobekli Tepe was Building F, which has been closed to the public for some time. Building F was one of the last buildings at Gobekli Tepe to be built. It dates between 8,500-8,000 BCE.

The stunning thing about this is that it means that this site was in use for more than 1,500 years. In modern times, it would be the equivalent of the Rotunda of Saint George , which we visited in Thessaloniki on our Greek Islands cruise a few weeks prior.

This is a round enclosure like the others beneath the dome. It features eight pillars above a terrazzo floor. The pillars here are much smaller than the ones in older buildings. It really brings into perspective how the effort that went into these temples became less and less over the years until, eventually, the entire site was purposefully buried and forgotten about for 10,000 years.

What To See Near Gobekli Tepe

Gobekli Tepe is such a fascinating site. While a place like this deserves a lot of time, the truth is that Gobekli Tepe is actually a pretty small archaeological site. The entire visit might take two to three hours to explore at most. In fact, most visitors probably spend less than two hours at Gobekli Tepe.

The good news is that there are plenty of other incredible things to do near Gobekli Tepe that can fill your time with more history and wonder. Here are some of our favorites:

Harran is located about 30 minutes from Gobekli Tepe and is a fascinating destination for history lovers. this ancient city dates back to about 2,500 BCE. The walled city, which lies mostly in ruins now, was home to one of the world’s oldest universities, the medieval Harran University.

Harran has become famous for its unique Beehive Houses. These mud-brick buildings are not found elsewhere in Turkey and are rare in the rest of the world. They’re believed to have been in use since the 7th century BCE. Although the ones present now date only back to the mid-20th century.

Sanliurfa (Urfa)

The city of Sanliurfa is the largest city near Gobekli Tepe. This ancient city is one of the most important biblical cities. It’s believed to be where the Prophet Abraham was born and began his teachings. It has become one of the most important pilgrimage cities in the world.

Among the many great places to visit in Sanliurfa are Abraham’s Pond, which he was cast into from a cliff face, and Abraham’s Cave, believed to be his place of birth.

There are many ruins, castles, markets, and archeological sites to explore in Sanliurfa, as well as some excellent museums.

Tips For Family Travel In Turkiye

Family travel in Turkiye, especially in places like Sanliurfa and the Southeast, requires some planning and a little bit of luck. Some areas of this country can be closed due to political unrest, so it’s always a good idea to check out current travel advisories and stay informed of the current travel status.

Check out our Turkiye Family Travel Blog for everything that you need to know about family travel in Turkiye and watch ouf Tips for Family Travel in Turkiye video below to help you plan an unforgettable visit to this mesmerizing and wonderful country.

You’d be doing us a huge favor if you could hit the like and subscribe buttons.

Enjoy Your Time Visiting Gobekli Tepe, Turkiye

If you love to get lost in history, there are few better places where you can do that as thoroughly as Gobekli Tepe, Turkiye. 12,000 years of human construction is enough to cause your brain to perform some mental gymnastics

I hope that these tips for visiting Gobekli Tepe were helpful. If I missed anything, please feel free to drop a comment below, reach out via our  contact page , or chat with us on our social media channels.

You can find valuable tips about visiting Turkiye on our  Turkiye Family Travel Blog . Or feel free to join our  Family Travel Support Group on Facebook . You can connect with more family travelers just like you who love to explore the world.

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Sanliurfa and Göbekli tepe (11,000 years old!)

This guide to Sanliurfa (commonly called Urfa) and Göbekli tepe includes why visit , how to get there , where to stay , what to do , and where to eat , and where to go next .

Why to go to Sanliurfa and Göbekli tepe?

If you like to learn other cultures and religions, are interested in the Neolithic, Greek, Roman and Islamic history and monuments, are willing to try new exotic food, and be in the company of some of the nicest people in Turkey, then Sanliurfa is the place for you.

Birthplace of Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic), which is a pilgrimage site in Islam. Closest city to Gőbeklitepe, a Neolithic excavation site which might be 11,000 years old (that would be older than the Eqyptian pyramids or Stonehenge in the U.K.). One of the best museums in Turkey preparing well for the Gőbeklitepe tour. An exquisitely-designed Balikligöl park with the impressive mosques. Delicious local food (e.g., refreshing limonata from the street hawkers, ciger / liver kebab, gargantuan sun-ripened watermelons, apricots and cherries for under $1 per kilo). Urfa people, who will invite you to cay / tea tens of times a day, even when you bought a limonata which is cheaper than tea served so, technically, a loss for the seller.

I went to Urfa to see the Göbekli tepe (who doesn’t want to one of the oldest human settlements in history as described by CNN?), but extended my stay for the city, its sites, food and people. In other words, an excellent destination. Sanliurfa is conservative: modest clothing for both men and women (no shorts) and there is no alcohol (at least officially) available.

A word of caution, Urfa gets VERY hot in the summer with the regular 40C+ (104F+) temperatures.

How to get to Sanliurfa and Göbekli tepe?

How to get to sanliurfa.

Sanliurfa is well connected. You can travel to Diyarbakir, Mardin, Gaziantep every 15-30 minutes with many coaches to Istanbul and Ankara. Nevsehir (for Cappadoccia and Göreme) is available direct on Neveshir Seyahat or Cizre Nuh coach lines four times a day. From Kahta there are minibuses (dolmus) directly to Urfa or Siverek, and then taking another dolmus to Urfa.

Unfortunately, the main long-distance bus station (“otogar”) is located in the new city part of Urfa, and getting to the city buses is not well signed. When arriving on a long-distance coach, you will probably come to the arrival lower level. Please take the escalator up to the upper-level departures and exit the station through the main doors. You will see a large parking with many yellow taxis, which you want to cross to the other side and climb the stairs (similar to many other passengers). You will get to the road with a bus stop immediately to your right.

Unfortunately, this is the wrong bus stop (as I might have learned) going further to the new city and all the high-rise residential buildings. You want to cross the road to the bus stop on the other side, which will take you to the city center. There are many buses going there including bus 35 , please ask the driver for “Balikligöl” , which is located in the city center. You might arrive at the city bus station, which is approximately 20 minutes away (walking distance) from the city center and 30 minutes from the historic Balikligöl park. Alternatively, you can take another city bus to your hotel or another destination. As of September 2022, the city bus ticket was TRY5 ($0.30). The city buses accept credit cards and the Urfa card, which is a city transportation card.

How to get to Göbekli tepe?

Taking a public bus is by far the best option. Otherwise you would have to negotiate with a taxi driver to take you there, wait for 1-2 hours (or whatever time you want to spend there), and the ride back. I was quoted the initial prices of $50 when I gave up on the taxi.

The public bus to Göbekli tepe departs from the Sanliurfa Archeological museum. If you are facing the museum main entrance, the stop is in on the other side of the building to your right.

The bus departs from this stop at 09:45, 12:45 and 15:45.

It waits at Göbekli tepe for 2 hours and returns from the site at 12:00, 15:00 and 17:30.

Effectively, you have 2 hours for the small museum, visitor center and the site itself. Given the excavation site is small, it is sufficient.

Do NOT be late for your departure, otherwise you will have to wait another 2.5-3 hours. There are no taxis waiting at the archeological site.

Where to stay in Sanliurfa?

Given many Turkish tourists, Sanliurfa has many hotels across the price spectrum. The budget choice popular with the Western backpackers is the Ugur Hotel located on the main road next to the Harran hotel (a large venue with the wedding business booming on weekends). It has single/double/triple rooms with shared and private bathrooms with high ceilings and air conditioning. The owner, Mr Mustafa, is fluent in English and will help with ANY question related to the transportation, sites, local restaurants, etc. There is a lovely terrace where guests tend to congregate, sip tea and share stories in the evenings, a positive vibe always present.

What to do in Sanliurfa?

Where to start, where to start?

(1) Guide to Sanliurfa: Göbekli tepe

https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?sectionId=SGT01&distId=SGT

Most Western tourists (including truly yours) are coming to Sanliurfa, because of the newly-discovered (1994) Göbekli tepe archeological site. It is a full attraction including the Göbekli tepe visitor center and the archeological site covered by an interesting canopy offering well-appreciated sun protection. In addition, there is excellent exhibition in the Sanliurfa museum 15 minutes from city center, the bazaar and Balikligöl. The site is one of many in south-eastern Turkey, but has been extensively developed and marketed.

It has not been used as a settlement but served as a temple. Located on the top of the mountain with expansive views, only a small part of the site has been excavated, and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, which is relatively recent. The tourist numbers have been increasing but are probably still low in comparison with the expected volumes 3/5/10 years from now. Yes, there is a visitor center with the tourist coaches coming in but probably nothing to compare with in a few years time. In other words, if you are into history and the most recent discoveries (and who isn’t?), this might be the time to go there, before the site is completely full.

So what is the reason for this sudden explosion of interest? Göbekli tepe contains megaliths which weigh 7-10 tons, are approximately 18ft in height, and are located in small elliptical areas. Its reason for the recent fame is that the carbon dating determined their age at approximately 11,000-12,000 years, which is approximately 7,000 years older than Stonehenge in the U.K. In comparison, the Egyptian pyramids of Giza are relatively young at 4,500 years old. Göbekli tepe was abandoned at approximately 8,000 BC and has not been used for similar religious purposes.

Please do not skip the visitor center. For an additional TRY10 ($0.60), there is a small interesting exhibition with a video beamed onto the walls and floor depicting an artist’s impression of potential religious rites at the site. Good quality and hypnotic music is well worth the extra cost and a few minutes.

(2) Guide to Sanliurfa: Sanliurfa Archeological Museum

https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?sectionId=SUM02&distId=SUM

Probably the best preparation for Göbekli tepe is the Sanliurfa Archeological Museum located in the city center. For TRY40 ($2.40) you will visit an excellent museum, which was opened in 2015. Its design is similar to the other outstanding museums in Gaziantep (Zeugma mosaics) or Hatay. All are a new wave of modern, expansive, multi-sensory museums in Turkey with artistic touches and excellent air-conditioning (appreciated in June!).

Some of the exhibits are impressive and well-displayed for maximum surprise effect such as the Göbekli man. He will be starting at you intently when you enter his dark room.

A recreation of the main Göbekli tepe area is excellent. Arrive at the museum opening time of 8:00AM, and you might be there all by yourself.

After the prehistoric exhibits you will flow with time and see the Assyrian, Babylonian and Hittite, and Roman artifacts. For some Western tourists, those non-Greek and non-Roman might be very interesting and pretty exotic, few similar items in the museums in Paris, London or New York.

In terms of the order, I would suggest starting with the museum, which will make the following visit to Göbekli tepe much more informative and enjoyable. When in Göbekli tepe, please do not skip the visitor center. Most tour groups do, so you will be able to enjoy it almost by yourself.

(3) Guide to Sanliurfa: Mosaics Museum

There is also an impressive mosaic museum next to the Sanliurfa Archeological Museum. During the same day you can use the Archeological Museum’s ticket to gain free entry to the Mosaic Museum. In other words, it is a free option five minutes away. The mosaics are impressive and well-laid in a huge building. You will be walking on modern glass walkways on top of the original mosaics. Many mosaics are in an excellent condition and have escaped the looters over the centuries. They are a great introduction into the Roman and Byzantine mosaics with the Gaziantep’s Zeugma and Hatay museum on par with Bardo in Tunisia.

(4) Guide to Sanliurfa: Balikligöl Park

No guide to Sanliurfa would be complete without the Balikligöl Park. A major pilgrimage site in Islam as the birthplace of prophet Abraham (Ibrahim). It is located in an impressive mosque with the cave well-lit and behind a protective glass. There is water for purification when entering this religious site.

There are a few open-air cafes with comfortable sofas and chairs under the trees around the small pond and fountain. A relief providing much-needed shade and breeze in the hot summer weather.

Balikligöl is a sacred lake with thousands of sacred carp and the corresponding religious stories. According to the Islamic and Jewish tradition, Abraham (Ibrahim) was born and raised in Urfa. He was the target of the wrath of king Nimrod when he declared a war on idolatry. The king sentenced Abraham to death and a huge pyre was constructed in the city center. When Abraham was thrown into the fire, miraculously the flames were transformed into water and the burning logs into fish.

Since then, the pool and its carp are considered sacred, and are strictly forbidden from being eaten. You will see many local tourists looking and taking pictures of the sacred fish and the delightful buildings around.

The mosques in the Balikligöl are impressive with the inside mosaics, external ablution wells and the paved courtyards. You might see the local weddings with their lavish traditional dresses.

Where to eat in Sanliurfa?

The Urfa bazaar is next to Balikligöl making it a convenient stop to try the local specialty ciger (liver) kebab. The liver kebab cubes are smaller in Urfa than in Diyarbakir, another contender for the best liver kebab in Anatolia.

No guide to Sanliurfa would be complete without mentioning the “kahvalti”. When in Urfa, please try the traditional breakfast (“kahvalti” pronounced “kah-vahl-tuh”). It is a sumptuous affair with usually well over 10 differerent components. Savoury such as various cheeses, olives and börek. Sweet such as honey, baklava or fruits. A hot dish such as menemen (excellent Turkish-style scrambled eggs with tomatoes, sausage, etc.). A breakfast for a king, a feast also for the eyes. Stunning when all those individual plates are being put in front of you in neat rows of delicacies. Coming back home to the usual bagel, muffin or oatmeal/porridge will be difficult. And the whole feast is a only few US dollars. It will be one of you most memorable meals in Turkey. There are many kahvalti restaurants next to the main road.

Lunch and dinner options include excellent Urfa lahmacun (thin-crust Turkish pizza) and Urfa kebab with the usual fresh vegetables and ayran (Turkish yoghurt). There seems to be a fierce competition among the Anatolian cities for the crown of the best kebab. The Urfa version is smaller but a bit more fatty and juicy, recommended.

Where to go next?

Within a few hours bus ride from Sanliurfa, Anatolia offers other interesting historical sites:

• unique ancient Greek monuments in Nemrut Dagi ( Guide to Nemrut Dagi, Turkey (2022) )
• Mardin, a well-preserved Silk Road town ( Mardin: ancient Silk Road town )

and outstanding large cities:

• Diyarbakir with the best breakfast in Turkey
• Gaziantep with the best food in Turkey and best Roman mosaics
• Hatay with a distinct Arabic influence ( Hatay: kunefe desert and Greek mosaics )

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7 thoughts on “Sanliurfa and Göbekli tepe (11,000 years old!)”

Thanks for this – hope to make a visit some day!

Hi Sue, thanks for your message. We also want to go back to Sanliurfa, it was a great city to visit.

Thank you for sharing your great experiences !!

Hello Mustafa, of course, my pleasure. Looking forward to visiting Turkey again.

Just planing a driving trip in the area in April. Looking forward to exploring more of your website. We have been to Nemrut Dag 40 years ago so curious to return.

Hi Ksenija, thanks for your message. April will be a great time to be there. Please let us know how it changed over the years.

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Göbekli Tepe, Turkey

Zero point in time.

By UNESCO World Heritage

Megalithic structures (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Zero point in time Located in the Germuş mountains of south-eastern Anatolia, this property presents monumental round-oval and rectangular megalithic structures erected by hunter-gatherers in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic age between 9,600 and 8,200 BCE. These monuments were probably used in connection with rituals, most likely of a funerary nature.

Main Excavation Area / Southeast-Hollow. (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Distinctive T-shaped pillars are carved with images of wild animals, providing insight into the way of life and beliefs of people living in Upper Mesopotamia about 11,500 years ago.

Outstanding Universal Value (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Göbekli Tepe, regarded as one of the world’s oldest archaeological ruins discovery and its oldest temples, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018 under the following criteria (i): to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius, (ii): to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design and (iv): It is an outstanding example of a type of architectural ensemble which illustrates a significant stage in human history.

Harald Hauptmann (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Harald Hauptmann (1936-2018) was Professor of Prehistoric and Near Eastern Archaeology at the University of Heidelberg and director of the Istanbul Department at the German Archaeological Institute (1994-2006). During his long career, he undertook several important excavations in eastern and south-eastern Turkey covering the periods from Early Neolithic to the Middle Ages.

Klaus Schmidt (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Klaus Schmidt (1953-2014) was a German archaeologist and prehistorian. He studied pre- and protohistory, classical archaeology and geology at the universities of Erlangen and Heidelberg. Klaus Schmidt dedicated twenty years of his professional career to the excavation and research of Göbekli Tepe.

Points (arrowheads) from Göbekli Tepe (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

The distinctive and well-known T-shaped (anthropomorphic) pillars from Göbekli Tepe were carved from quarries in the adjacent limestone plateau using stone and bone tools.

The sculpture from Göbekli Tepe that was taken by a local farmer to the Şanlıurfa Museum (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Following the first discovery of Göbekli Tepe by archaeologists in the early 1960s, artefacts continued to be revealed in the course of agricultural activities. One such find, an ithyphallic stone figure, was taken to Şanlıurfa Museum by Şafak Yıldız, a local farmer.

Building C (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Megalithic monumental buildings The megalithic structures have largely retained the original form and design of their architectural elements, together with numerous decorative elements and craft works that provide an insight into the way of life of the societies that occupied the site.

The results of more than twenty years of research and archaeological excavations on the site testify to its authenticity.

Göbekli Tepe’s circular temples (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Excavations and research under way since the mid-1990s also provide a more balanced and detailed view of the relationship between the various aspects of usage and the prehistoric importance of the property.

Building B (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Building B is located in the Main Excavation Area/Southeast-Hollow. It has a round ground plan and measures approximately 10 metres in diameter. A total of seven T-shaped limestone pillars have so far been discovered set into its circular wall. The two central T-pillars bring the total number of monoliths in this building to nine. However, as the building is not yet completely excavated, further pillars might appear in the future. The floor of the building was excavated over several square metres in the area between the two central pillars. The floor of this building is made of a lime mortar or plaster. The inner-facing broad sides of the two central pillars carry depictions of life-size foxes (in low relief).

Rear view of a T-shaped pillar from Building B with the low reliefs of a predator and a snake (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Rear view of a T-shaped pillar from Building B with the low reliefs of a predator and a snake.

Leopard from building C (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

A high relief of a leopard from building C worked on T-shaped pillar, below a depiction of a wild boar, dichotomy of hunter and prey is tried to be described in this scene.

Building D (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Building D, here the best-preserved structure of round buildings can be seen, surrounding T-pillars oriented based on two central pillars.

Eastern central Pillar from Building D (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Eastern central Pillar from Building D. The anthropomorphic characteristics of the T-pillar (arms, hands on the stomach, belt and loincloth) are clearly visible. The pillar in the background carries depictions of wild animals and insects.

Pillar 43 from Building D (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

One of the most spectacularly adorned pillars at Göbekli Tepe is P43 in Building D. It is decorated on three of its sides. The west-facing broad side is the most lavishly decorated. It features animal depictions and abstract motifs.

Göbekli Tepe: The ‘’unexcavated mound’’ (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Göbekli Tepe: The ‘’unexcavated mound’’ prior to the onset of the archaeological excavations.

Göbekli Tepe Visitor Centre and conservation Roof structure (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Conservation In order to preserve as much of the original substance as possible, careful excavation aims to uncover just enough of the buildings to gain insights into its use-life. Conservation and preservation efforts have been considered from the very beginning of excavations, including the construction of provisional roof structures. Meanwhile, two permanent shelters have been constructed. These new shelters provide better protection from environmental conditions.

Göbekli Tepe Visitor Centre and conservation Visitor experience (2018) by Göbekli Tepe UNESCO World Heritage

Further, in the case of the shelter at the Main Excavation Area/Southeast-Hollow, it greatly improves visitor access and visibility of the excavations and prehistoric monumental buildings.

Discovering the site.

This exhibit was created by Sanliurfa Tourism Development www.visiturfa.com/ More on Göbekli Tepe and World Heritage: whc.unesco.org/en/list/1572

Garajonay National Park, La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain

Unesco world heritage, trang an landscape complex, vietnam, medieval city of rhodes, greece, great barrier reef, australia, memorial sites of the first world war (western front) - flanders fields, belgium, talayotic menorca, spain, churches of peace in jawor and świdnica, poland, the trulli of alberobello, italy, city of budapest, hungary, rock art of alta, norway.

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Archaeological History

Gobeklitepe archaeological site was built about 12,000 years ago, 9000 BC to 10500 BC which is 6,000 years before the Stonehenge and 7,000 years before the Great Pyramid, during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic era where there is no mental tools, wheel, writing and engineering. Gobeklitepe is the first known temple in the world and also called as the Zero point in time.

The area was first discovered in the year 1963, during the surface survey by the joint work of the Istanbul and Chicago Universities, and declared as the V52 Neolithic Settlement . In 1995, new excavations began with the management of the Sanliurfa Archaeological and Mosaic Museum and the German Archaeologist Klaus Schmidt (after 2007) and afterwards till today, it is revealed that Gobeklitepe was a cult center from the 12,000 years ago.

Who Built It?

Excavations still goes on. It is not solved yet that which civilization and for what reason Gobeklitepe was built. But the findings prove that the area was built for religious purposes.

We Highly Recommend These Fantastic Night-time Activities

UNESCO Designation

Gobeklitepe finding are excepted as the most unique archaeological discovery in the world, and declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 2018 as well as the first Temple in the world.

What to See?

Gobeklitepe consists of a complex monumental site of temples of precision cut 14-tonne pillars with totems, animal figurines and mysterious symbols. The findings on the Gobeklitepe archaeological site are exhibited at the Sanliurfa Archeological and Mosaic Museum , located at the city center (Address: Haleplibahçe Mahallesi, 2372. Sk., Merkez, Eyyübiye, Sanliurfa).

• The weight of the T-shaped pillars varies between 40 to 60 tons.
• The architectural work is beyond its time.
• There are embossed animal figurines on the pillars such as snake, wild boar and wild duck.
• Gobeklitepe is believed to be the mother land of wheat and the agriculture was for beer producing.
• Regarding the homogenic distribution of the limestone and soil on the site, and the many remnants’ being cleared out before the site was closed, it is believed that Gobeklitepe was buried under the ground. But there is no answer that why it was buried.
• The bottom floor of the temple has waterproof features and so it is believed that there were religious rituals with blood, alcohol or other liquids.

Actually you should ask “Why Not Visit Gobeklitepe?” An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first Temple in the World and the Zero Point in time, 6,000 years before the Stonehenge and 7,000 years before the Great Pyramid.

A chance to witness the Pre-Pottery Neolithic era history, to discover one of world’s first faiths belonging to the hunter gatherer ancestors of the human beings, to see a temple with extraordinary animal figurines and how people lived about 12,000 years ago and to admire the architecture very far ahead of its time.

Other Places To See in Sanliurfa

Sanliurfa is one of the favorite cities on the southeastern Turkey where you can admire the history, culture, art and gastronomy.

When you visit Gobeklitepe, you will also have a chance to experience and admire the Sanliurfa Archaeological and Mosaic Museum , which is the largest museum complex in Turkey and also hosts the findings belonging to Gobeklitepe, the Pools of Abraham and the Cave where it is believed that the Prophet Abraham was born.

And you may also experience the gastronomy of Sanliurfa, which is one the best in Turkey, taste the delicious flavors of the southeastern Turkey, as well as make shopping in the traditional local markets.

Gobeklitepe Video Tour

Gobeklitepe visiting hours & admissions, opening hours.

Open every day from 08:30-17:00 (from 01 April to 31 October), 08:30-19:00 (from 01 April to 31 October)

Ticket Price

Please check visiting hours and admissions from muze.gov.tr

The best Gobeklitepe tours from Istanbul

Make sure you don’t miss out on anything by booking Gobeklitepe tours. Find the right tour for you, whether you just want to visit Gobeklitepe in a day, two days or fancy exploring Turkey package tours including Gobeklitepe.

As Gobeklitepe is located very far away from Istanbul (about 1300 km.) and there are not much hotels and tourist facilities in Sanliurfa, we highly recommend you to visit Gobeklitepe by daily tours from Istanbul, made by the quality travel agents.

So with this opportunity you ‘ll save yourself from the hassle of making all the arrangements including the flight, hotel arrangement, attraction tickets and 2-ways transportation by your own. Also there are several popular sights to visit and see in Sanliurfa that you may take the advantage of seeing them by daily guided tours.

Top Selling Gobeklitepe Tours

Here we only suggest the proven ways and top rated ones with travelers’ comments. You can feel free to book one of the below top selling tours.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts

How to Get to Gobeklitepe?

There are few options to get to Gobeklitepe. Located in the Sanliurfa city of southeastern Turkey, the best way to travel to Gobeklitepe is to fly to GAP Sanliurfa Airport. You can easily find direct flights from Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara to Sanliurfa every day. It takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.

After getting to Sanliurfa Airport, you can get to Gobeklitepe by taxis, car rentals, municipal buses or private tour buses to Gobeklitepe.

See the  location map .

Transportation from Sanliurfa

Getting to Gobeklitepe from Sanliurfa Airport via taxi would cost about 370-400 TL and about 200-220 TL from Sanliurfa city center.

by Public Bus

The Sanliurfa Municipal Buses operate between Gobeklitepe and Sanliurfa city center, three runs every day between 10:00 to 18:00 (10:00, 13:00 and 16:00 from city center to Gobeklitepe and 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00 from Gobeklitepe to city center). Gobeklitepe Municipal Bus number is 100 and departure point from city center is Abide stop.

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Gobekli Tepe’s circular temples have changed the way archaeologists look at the beginnings of civilization.

World's Oldest Temple to Be Restored

The ancient site of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey has rewritten the early history of civilization.

The world’s oldest monuments may soon get an image makeover. A new project will promote and preserve Göbekli Tepe , home to the most ancient temple structures ever discovered.

Turkey hopes to eventually boost tourism at the site, which is in a region where tourism has declined because of the nearby Syrian conflict and refugee crisis .

Since excavations began in 1995, the site in southeastern Turkey has changed the way archaeologists think about the origins of civilization. Its circular structures, with their elaborately carved stones and distinctive, T-shaped pillars, are more than 12,000 years old—older than the invention of agriculture or even pottery.

The early dates have upended the idea that agriculture led to civilization. Scholars long thought that when hunter-gatherers settled down and started growing crops, the resulting food surplus made it possible for people to organize complex societies.

Göbekli Tepe calls that conventional wisdom into question. Klaus Schmidt, a German archaeologist who led excavations at the site, argued before he died in 2014 that it might have worked the other way around: The vast labor force needed to build the enclosures pushed people to develop agriculture as a way of providing predictable food—and perhaps drink—for workers.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Turkey’s Doğuş Group will announce Wednesday that they plan to spend $15 million over the next 20 years on the project, in partnership with the National Geographic Society. “Göbekli Tepe is our zero point in time,” Doğuş Group chairman Ferit F. Şahenk said in a press release.

Earliest Religious Site?

Newly gathered evidence from excavations at the site backs up Schmidt’s argument that the beginnings of civilization spurred the invention of farming. In the middle of each monumental enclosure are two tall T-shaped pillars, carved with stylized arms, hands and loincloths. The largest weigh more than 16 tons. Carving and moving them from a nearby quarry must have been a tremendous challenge, requiring hundreds of people and enough food to feed them all.

But archaeologists have yet to find evidence of permanent settlement at Göbekli Tepe. One recent suggestion is that the site was a regional gathering place. It’s perched on top of a bone-dry peak, with a commanding view of the surrounding mountains and the plains to the south.

“Back then people would have to meet regularly to keep the gene pool fresh and exchange information,” says Jens Notroff, a German Archaeological Institute archaeologist who works on the site. “It’s a landmark. It’s no accident they gathered there.”

In fact, smaller versions of the pillars, symbols and architecture carved into stone at Göbekli Tepe have been found in settlements up to 125 miles away. It’s as though Göbekli Tepe were a cathedral and the others local churches; hunter-gatherers might have traveled long distances to meet, worship and help build new monumental structures, sponsoring feasts to display their wealth.

“The feasting aspect is the easiest explanation for attracting a labor force to construct the enclosures,” Notroff says.

As they’ve dug deeper into the hilltop, archaeologists have found other evidence for feasting: After they were built, the stone enclosures were filled in with dirt, stone, and animal bones. Over the course of centuries, new structures were built on top of the backfill, creating a man-made mound. The debris includes tens of thousands of broken animal bones, including gazelles and aurochs, a type of wild cow that’s now extinct. There are also huge stone vessels, big enough to hold more than 40 gallons of liquid—perhaps early beer.

Tour Buses and Refugees

The new funding comes at a critical time for Göbekli Tepe. As the site has gained international prominence, it’s become a bona fide tourist attraction. Less than a decade ago, the hilltop was reachable only via a bumpy ride on a rough dirt road. The occasional visitor might be shown around by Schmidt himself.

Today, tour buses sometimes unload hundreds of visitors each day in front of a small visitor’s center, and Turkish travel agencies promote special Göbekli Tepe tours. There’s a gift shop and parking lot, and Turkey’s largest archaeological museum opened recently in the nearby city of Urfa.

Though excavation and research at the site are funded by the German Archaeological Institute and the German Research Foundation, funds from the Dogus Group, a Turkish conglomerate that includes tourism and media companies, will go toward building a new, larger visitor’s center and protective canopies for the structures that have already been uncovered, along with walkways and fencing to help manage tourism’s impact on the ancient enclosures.

“This impressive partnership between the Sahenk Initiative and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism is sure to shed new light on Gobekli Tepe’s historical significance—not only for Turkey but for the world,” said   Terry   Garcia, chief science and exploration officer for the National Geographic Society .

It’s good news in a region that desperately needs some. As Syria has become less stable, Notroff says, the flood of tourists to the site has visibly slowed.

Urfa is just a few miles from Turkey’s border with Syria, and is a key crossing point for refugees fleeing the conflict there. When the Syrian town of Kobani was under attack by ISIS last year, smoke from the battle could be seen from the mountaintop dig site.

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• HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION

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Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

Latest facts.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

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Moscow metro to be more tourist-friendly

A new floor sign system at the Moscow metro's Pushkinskaya station. Source: Vladimir Pesnya / RIA Novosti

For many years now, Moscow has lagged behind St. Petersburg when it comes to making life easy for tourists, especially where getting around the city is concerned. Whereas the northern capital installed English-language maps, signs and information points throughout its subway system in the late 2000s, the Russian capital’s metro remained a serious challenge for foreign visitors to navigate.

Recent visitors to Moscow may have noticed some signs that change is afoot, however. In many stations of the Moscow subway, signs have appeared on the floor – with large lettering in Russian and English – indicating the direction to follow in order to change lines. Previously, foreign visitors using the Moscow metro had to rely solely upon deciphering the Russian-language signs hanging from the ceilings.

Student volunteers help tourists find their way in Moscow

However, this new solution has a significant drawback. “The floor navigation is visible only to a small stream of people – fewer than three people per meter. During peak hours, this navigation will simply not be noticed,” said Konstantin Trofimenko, Director of the Center for Urban Transportation Studies.

One of the biggest problems for tourists in the Russian capital remains the absence of English translations of the names of subway stations in the station vestibules and on platforms. The Department of Transportation in Moscow has not commented yet as to when this problem will be solved. However, Latin transliterations of station names can already be found in the subway cars themselves.

Finding the right exit

At four of the central stations – Okhotny Ryad, Teatralnaya, Ploshchad Revolyutsii, Lubyanka and Kuznetsky Most – the city authorities have now installed colorful stands at the exits with schematic diagrams of the station’s concourse and surrounding area, which provide information about the main attractions and infrastructural facilities.

The schematic diagrams are the work of British specialists from the City ID and Billings Jackson Design firms, who have already implemented successful projects in New York and London.

According to Alexei Novichkov, expert at the Design Laboratory at the Higher School of Economics, the design of these information booths raises no objections: The color solutions, font, layout and icons are consistent with international standards.

However, the stands do have some shortcomings. “Many questions are raised about the fact that the developers of these maps did not apply orientation to the north, and have provided layouts of the surrounding areas with respect to the exits,” says Novichkov. “A system like that is used for road navigators, but most of the ‘paper’ guides and maps are oriented strictly to north. The subway map is also oriented to north, so people may become confused.”

Muscovites and foreign visitors are generally positive about these navigation elements, with most of them citing the numbered exits from the subway as the most useful feature.

The fact is that many Moscow subway stations have several exits. One of the busiest central stations of the Moscow subway in particular, Kitay-Gorod, has more than a dozen exits. Previously, these exits were differentiated from each other only with signs in Russian referring to the names of streets and places of interest to which they led – making it easy for tourists and those with poor navigation skills to get confused.

Now, when making an appointment to meet a friend, instead of struggling to find the right spot when they tell you: “I'll meet you at the exit to Solyanka Street,” you can just propose to meet under a specific exit number.

“I’ve lived in Moscow for seven years,” says Angelika, a designer from Voronezh, “but I still don’t always know where to go to find the place I need, so the new schematic diagrams will be very useful. Previously, some subway stations had maps, but not with so much detail.”

Teething problems

Foreigners, meanwhile, focus their attention on other elements. “It is good that the new information boards have QR-codes, which can be ‘read’ by smartphones,” says Florentina, a writer from Vienna. But there are also shortcomings. “The English font of the information on posters and in the captions to theaters and museums is too small – you have to come very close to see it well,” she says.

Pleasant encounters on the streets of Moscow

Florentina was also dissatisfied with the fact that such posters are not provided at all subway stations: “When I was trying to find Tsaritsyno Park (a museum and reserve in the south of Moscow) at a subway station with the same name, it turned out to be quite difficult,” she says.

“There are no maps with landmarks for other areas, such as those already in the city center. There were no clear pointers in the English language, and the passers-by I met did not speak in English, so they could not help me,” she adds.

Officials say that the navigation system is gradually being redeveloped and improved. According to Darya Chuvasheva, a press representative for the Department of Transport of Moscow, the introduction of a unified navigation system will take place in stages.

“By the end of 2014, the system will first appear on the first subway stations on the Circle Line. By the end of 2015, we plan to install the system at all major stopping points, subway stations and transport interchange hubs,” says Chuvasheva.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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Gobekli Tepe  

About .

Gobekli Tepe is one of the world's most important archaeological sites. Dating back as far as 12,000 years ago, it was built prior records of writing or pottery, and is believed to be the world's oldest ritual complex. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this fascinating site which is causing archaeologists to rethink their vision of early human history.

This website is created to make Gobekli Tepe and many other historical places more accessible to you.

With travel options from Istanbul, Izmir or Ankara and in company of  knowledgeable  and kind guide to make your visit memorable. 

Bestseller tour

Full day gobekli tepe tour.

Gobekli Tours reviews

I was originally intending a day trip from istanbul to see göbekli tepe, but taha wisely encouraged me to spend the night in urfa and see some of the other fascinating sites that the area has to offer.  we ended up visiting, among others, mt nemrut, the archaeological museum in urfa (an excellent introduction to gobekli tepe and its historical context) and taha's home town of harran with its famous beehive houses., i cannot adequately explain how helpful, understanding and informative taha is: a truly outstanding guide i am very keen to return and enjoy more time in his company., note: do not feel anxious about visiting this region because it is close to syria. i felt perfectly safe at all times and would happily recommend friends and family to visit the area with taha as their guide..

 Lincoln ​

MEET YOUR  GUIDE

Hello everyone, l am Taha. I was born in the ancient city of Harran.

It is located in Upper (northern) Mesopotamia and mentioned in the Old Testament (Torah). I am a professional licensed tour guide, l have been professionally guiding since 2008. l like my job and like to meet people from all around the world and willing to add personal touches to every single tour I conduct. It is always my pleasure to help travelers with their itineraries and provide them the most memorable vacation. l graduated from business administration and studied archeology, mythology, religions, guidance, history, tourism . . . etc. After I graduated from university, I attended a language school in Miami (USA) for 18 months. It was a great experience and chance to practice my English. Currently, l am living İn ŞANLIURFA near to GOBEKLİTEPE (POTBELLY HİLL ) the world's first temple. Please feel free to ask me anything you want to know about touring in upper Mesopotamia Turkey. If you would like your tour to be customized, I will be glad to take you to any specific place that you want to go in the region l work.

#GOBEKLITEPE

+905426807057

[email protected]

Sanliurfa, Turkey

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Agency : 

DEYSAN TRAVEL 

Licence Number: 

Company Title: 

Deysan Taşımacılık İnş. Tem. Nak. Tur.Ltd. Şti.

Park Hotel Bogorodsk

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Finding an ideal hotel in Elektrostal does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Park Hotel Bogorodsk, a nice option for travellers like you.

Rooms at Park Hotel Bogorodsk provide a kitchenette, a refrigerator, and a seating area.

In addition, while staying at Park Hotel Bogorodsk guests have access to a concierge and room service. You can also enjoy a lounge.

Close to Statue of Lenin (1.5 mi), a popular Elektrostal landmark, Park Hotel Bogorodsk is a great destination for tourists.

Travellers looking for Italian restaurants can head to Apelsin or Dodo Pizza.

There is no shortage of things to do in the area: explore popular art museums such as Electrostal History and Art Museum.

Park Hotel Bogorodsk puts the best of Elektrostal at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.

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