Where is Anıtkabir and Why Visit?
Anıtkabir, located in Anıttepe district in the centre of Ankara, is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. It is not just a monument; It is a unique place blended with history, architecture, culture and national consciousness.
Anıtkabir is one of the must-see places for both local and foreign tourists. The history of Turkey, the achievements of the Republic and Atatürk’s vision are embodied in this area. It is an ideal stop for anyone who wants to make a cultural trip for a few hours in Ankara.
How to get to Anitkabir?
It is very easy to get to Anitkabir. You can reach by public transport from many points of Ankara.
Public Transport:
By metro: You can get off at Tandoğan Station with Ankaray or M1 metro line and walk (about 10 minutes).
By bus: You can get off at Tandoğan, Maltepe or Beşevler stops and take a short walk.
By Private Car:
Anıtkabir has a car park. You can easily get directions by typing ‘Anıtkabir Visitor Entrance’ into the navigation.
Anıtkabir Visiting Hours and Entrance Fee
Visiting Hours: Summer period (1 April – 31 October) 09.00 – 17.00
Winter period (1 November – 31 March) 09.00 – 16.00
Entrance Fee: Entrance to Anıtkabir is free of charge.
What is there in Anıtkabir? Sections and Must-See Places
Anıtkabir is not just a mausoleum; it is a huge cultural complex consisting of four main sections:
- Lion Road
It is a 262-metre long walkway lined with 24 lion statues on both sides. Visitors feel a deep spiritual atmosphere while walking on this path. - Ceremony Square
It is the main square of Anıtkabir. Official ceremonies are held here. It is big enough to host 15.000 people at the same time. - Mausoleum (Hall of Honour)
It is the section where Atatürk’s mausoleum is located. It is quite impressive with its granite floor, magnificent columns and ceiling decorations. Visitors can take a moment of silence here. - Atatürk and War of Independence Museum
It is located on the lower floor of Anıtkabir. In four separate halls:
- Atatürk’s personal belongings
- War of Independence panoramas
- Excerpts from the Nutuk
- Original documents and videos are exhibited at
Visit Advice: Make the most of your visit to Anıtkabir
Go in the morning: Morning hours are ideal to avoid the crowds and visit in a cool environment.
Take advantage of guided tours: Although there are informative panels in Anıtkabir, you can learn much more details with guided tours.
Be sure to spend time in the museum: You should spend at least 1 hour to see the unique objects of Atatürk’s life.
Buy a souvenir from Anıtkabir bookshop: Books about Atatürk, souvenirs and collectibles are offered to visitors.
Anıtkabir Trip with Children: Education and Inspiration in One
Anıtkabir is a great place to give children a sense of history, introduce them to Atatürk’s world of ideas and introduce them to national values. There are also informative sections for children in the museum.
Places to Visit Around Anıtkabir
If you are planning a short city tour in Ankara, you can also list the following places after your visit to Anıtkabir:
- 1st Parliament Building (War of Independence Museum) – 15 minutes walk
- Hamamönü Historical Neighbourhood – A nostalgic atmosphere with Ottoman architecture
- Ankara Castle and Rahmi Koç Museum – Ideal for watching the city from a height
Why is it important to visit Anıtkabir?
- A unique area in terms of national identity and historical awareness
- A museum where you can experience Atatürk’s ideals one-to-one
- A living witness of Turkey’s struggle for independence
- It is an architecturally unique building: Combination of Seljuk, Ottoman and modern elements
Anıtkabir More than a Visit
Anıtkabir is not only a monument of a leader; it is also a monument of national consciousness. It is a debt for every citizen and a great opportunity for every traveller to be in the presence of this great leader while in Ankara and to get to know him and the republic he founded closely.
Choose Ankara for your next trip and visit Anıtkabir to spend a day intertwined with history.
