Çorum is a provincial capital west of Amasya best known as the gateway to the Hittite heartland, with a well-regarded archaeological museum displaying finds from Hattusa, Alacahöyük and other ancient sites. The town itself offers a historic clock tower, the Ulu Camii and a reputation for leblebi (roasted chickpeas), and works well either as a half-day stop or as a base for reaching the UNESCO-listed Hittite ruins of Boğazkale.
Çorum is a provincial capital about 95 to 100 km west of Amasya in Çorum Province, reached in approximately 1.5 hours by intercity coach or car on the main highway. The city serves as the primary gateway to the Hittite heartland, and its archaeological museum — commonly called the Hittite Museum — is one of the strongest in Turkey for Bronze Age civilisation, displaying original artefacts from Hattusa, Alacahöyük and other Çorum Province sites. The collection includes cuneiform tablets, bronze statuettes, pottery, ceremonial deer and bull figures from Alacahöyük, and a fine display of Hittite seal impressions. Organised by period, the museum can be covered comfortably in one to two hours and is an ideal preparation for visiting the Hattusa ruins nearby. Beyond the museum, Çorum's compact historic centre includes the 18th-century Ulu Camii, a historic clock tower at the top of the pedestrianised main street, and a traditional covered bazaar. The city is Turkey's self-proclaimed leblebi capital — roasted and sometimes spiced chickpeas sold from dedicated shops along the bazaar — and a bag of the local variety makes a practical edible souvenir. Çorum also works as a natural staging point for reaching the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hattusa at Boğazkale (about 55 km south via Sungurlu) and the Bronze Age mound of Alacahöyük (about 35 km south), making it useful for visitors combining multiple Hittite destinations in one day. By public transport from Amasya, coaches arrive at the Çorum otogar on the city edge, from where a taxi or local bus reaches the museum in the centre in around ten minutes. A half-day is sufficient for the museum and bazaar; a full day allows adding Alacahöyük or the Hattusa ruins.
How to get there
- Bus: Amasya-Çorum intercity coaches (about 1.5 hours)
- Car: main highway west (about 1.5 hours)
- Use Çorum as the gateway and base for Hattusa/Boğazkale
- Local transport in Çorum to the museum and old town
Location
Çorum Müzesi, Yavruturna, 19030 Çorum, Turkey
40.5489, 34.9533 View on map
Highlights
- Çorum Museum (Hittite Museum): one of Turkey's leading Bronze Age collections with finds from Hattusa and Alacahöyük
- Ceremonial deer and bull figures from Alacahöyük: iconic Bronze Age cult objects
- Historic bazaar and leblebi shops selling the city's famous roasted chickpea speciality
- Gateway city for day trips to Hattusa (55 km) and Alacahöyük (35 km) Hittite sites
- Historic clock tower and Ulu Camii in the pedestrianised city centre
Tips for visiting
- Coaches from Amasya otogar to Çorum run frequently (about 1.5 hours); return buses operate until late afternoon
- Allocate 1.5 to 2 hours for the Çorum Museum; the Turkish Museum Card covers admission
- The museum is closed on Mondays — check this before planning the trip
- Buy leblebi from the traditional shops in the bazaar; the spiced and coated varieties make good gifts
- Çorum works well as a half-day stop en route to Hattusa — combine both into one long day by car
- A taxi from Çorum otogar to the museum in the city centre takes about 10 minutes
When to visit
April through October for comfortable travel. The museum is indoors and open year-round except Mondays. Combine with an outdoor visit to Hattusa in spring or autumn for ideal walking conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Çorum Museum contain?
The museum displays finds from Bronze Age sites across Çorum Province, primarily Hattusa and Alacahöyük. Collections include cuneiform tablets, bronze statuettes, ritual deer and bull figures, pottery and Hittite seal impressions spanning multiple millennia.
Can Çorum and Hattusa be combined in one day from Amasya?
Yes, by private car. Leave Amasya early, visit the Çorum Museum on arrival (about 1.5 hours), then drive south to Hattusa and Boğazkale (about 55 km from Çorum) for the afternoon. Return via Çorum in the early evening.
How do I get from Amasya to Çorum?
Intercity coaches from Amasya otogar reach Çorum in about 1.5 hours. By car, the main highway west covers approximately 95 to 100 km. Coaches run frequently and return services operate until late afternoon.
What is leblebi?
Leblebi are roasted chickpeas, a snack food with ancient roots that is strongly associated with Çorum. They are sold plain, spiced or coated from dedicated shops in the bazaar and make a practical and distinctive local souvenir.
Is the Çorum Museum suitable for visitors without an archaeology background?
Yes. The displays are well laid out with some English labelling, and the Alacahöyük deer and bull figures are visually striking even without specialist knowledge. An hour gives a satisfying overview for the general visitor.