Gordion
The capital ruins of the Phrygian kingdom, site of the legend of the Gordian Knot, where you can enter the 'Tomb of King Midas', the oldest surviving wooden burial chamber.
Gordion lies in the village of Yassıhöyük, about 90 km southwest of Ankara. It was the capital of the Phrygian kingdom in the 8th century BC, and it was here that Alexander the Great famously cut the Gordian Knot with his sword. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2023. The highlight is the Midas Mound, about 53 metres high. Through a tunnel you can enter the fir-wood burial chamber dating to around 740 BC, one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in the world. Opposite is a small museum, and you can also see the gate remains on the Citadel Mound and coloured pebble mosaics. There is no direct public transport, so hiring a car is recommended. A round trip from the city takes half a day to a full day.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:30–17:00 (earlier closing in winter)