Gordion was the capital of the Phrygian kingdom and is associated with the legend of King Midas and the Gordian Knot. The site features a UNESCO-listed burial mound field including the Great Tumulus (King Midas's tomb, which visitors can enter), an excellent on-site museum with Phrygian furniture and artefacts, and ongoing archaeological excavations. The surrounding steppe landscape is dramatic and photogenic.
Gordion, the ancient capital of the Phrygian kingdom, lies approximately 95 kilometres southwest of Ankara along the D.200 highway toward Polatlı, making it one of the most historically significant day trips from the Turkish capital. The drive takes around 1.5 hours by car; visitors travelling by public transport can take a bus from AŞTİ terminal to Polatlı and then arrange a taxi for the final 20 kilometres to the site at Yassıhöyük village.
The site is inextricably linked with two legendary figures of antiquity: King Midas, said to have turned everything he touched to gold, and Alexander the Great, who famously cut through the Gordian Knot here in 333 BC. The archaeological landscape encompasses one of the largest tumulus fields in the world — more than 80 burial mounds dot the surrounding steppe — the most impressive of which is the Great Tumulus, believed to be the tomb of King Midas's father, Gordios, or possibly Midas himself. Visitors walk through a 70-metre timber-lined dromos passage into a burial chamber that preserves some of the world's oldest surviving wooden furniture, dating to approximately 740 BC.
The adjacent Gordion Museum displays Phrygian artefacts recovered from decades of excavation, including bronze fibulae, painted pottery, and the extraordinary wooden screens and inlaid furniture from the Great Tumulus. The museum is compact and well-labelled in Turkish and English, making it accessible without a licensed guide.
A suggested day itinerary begins with a departure from Ankara by 08:30, reaching the site by 10:00 before temperatures peak. Morning hours are best spent inside the climate-controlled museum before moving to the outdoor burial mound and excavation area. The site has a small tea house near the entrance; visitors should bring water and a picnic for lunch, as dining options nearby are minimal. The afternoon can be used to walk the surrounding tumulus field and photograph the vast steppe landscape before returning to Ankara by 17:00. Those with a rental car may extend the day by continuing northeast to Beypazarı for a late afternoon in its Ottoman mansions district, adding roughly 1.5 hours of driving.
Highlights
- Great Tumulus (King Midas's tomb) — entry included in ticket
- Gordion Museum with Phrygian wooden furniture (c. 740 BC)
- Archaeological site and excavation area
- Steppe landscape with dozens of tumuli
Tips for visiting
- Combine with Beypazarı on the same day if using a rental car (add 1.5 hours). Bring water and sun protection — the site is exposed.
When to visit
April to June and September to October offer the most comfortable conditions for Gordion, when temperatures are mild and the steppe wildflowers are in bloom. Summer visits are possible but the exposed site becomes very hot by midday; arriving before 10:00 is strongly advised in July and August.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gordion worth visiting without a guide?
Yes — the Gordion Museum is well-labelled in English and the site is self-explanatory. A licensed guide adds considerable depth to the Phrygian and Alexander the Great history, but independent visits are fully feasible. Audio guides are not currently available on-site.
Can visitors actually enter the Great Tumulus?
Yes. The interior chamber of the Great Tumulus is open to visitors as part of the general site ticket. The dromos tunnel is approximately 70 metres long and ends at the original burial chamber, which is well lit and accessible.
Are there restaurants near the Gordion site?
On-site facilities are limited to a small tea house near the entrance. The town of Polatlı, approximately 20 km away, has several local restaurants serving standard Turkish lunch fare at low prices.
Can Gordion be combined with Beypazarı in a single day?
Yes, with a rental car. Visiting Gordion in the morning and Beypazarı in the afternoon is feasible and adds a complementary Ottoman-town experience to the Phrygian archaeology. The two sites are not directly connected by public transport, so a private vehicle is essential for the combination.
Is the Museum Card (Müze Kart) accepted at Gordion?
Yes. The Müze Kart covers entry to both the Gordion Museum and the Great Tumulus burial chamber, making it good value for visitors already holding the card from other Turkish museum visits.