Anıtkabir is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Anıttepe, Ankara, and a place to understand the country’s founding history through its architecture and grounds. It is about a 14-minute walk from Business Park, a hotel in Ankara.
- Location: Anıttepe, Ankara
- Site layout: Peace Park and Monument Block
- Opening pattern: Open daily
- Tickets: Check the official Anıtkabir site for current visitor details
What can you see at Anıtkabir?
Anıtkabir’s Monument Block brings together the Lion Road, ceremonial area and mausoleum, while the Peace Park forms the other part of the site. The complex covers approximately 750,000 square metres, so its layout is central to planning a visit.
The Lion Road leads toward the ceremonial area, with 24 seated lion statues lining the route. Ten symmetrically arranged towers are named for concepts connected with the founding of the nation and state.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism describes the grand stair to the ceremonial ground as having 28 steps; its account of the approach from Tandoğan Gate separately mentions 26 stepped stairs leading to the Lion Road.
The Peace Park contains approximately 48,500 trees and ornamental plants representing 104 species and origins. Together, the park and Monument Block offer distinct parts of the site to take in as you make your way toward the mausoleum.
The mausoleum and Atatürk’s resting place
The mausoleum is the focal point of Anıtkabir, built to commemorate Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye and its first president. Construction began on 9 October 1944 and was completed in 1953, following four stages over nine years.
Atatürk’s body rests in a grave dug directly into the earth below the mausoleum’s ground floor. The symbolic sarcophagus in the Hall of Honour is above it. This distinction helps explain the relationship between the visible memorial and the burial place beneath.
How do you get from Kızılay to Anıtkabir?
Anıtkabir is in Anıttepe, Ankara. If your plans include the airport connection, getting from Esenboğa Airport to Kızılay is a separate part of the journey.
Kızılay and Güvenpark are central Ankara landmarks that can help orient your plans around the city.
Anıtkabir opening hours and visitor access
Anıtkabir opens at 09:00 every day, with closing times that vary through the year. It closes at 16:30 from 1 February through 14 May, at 17:00 from 15 May through 31 October, and at 16:00 from 1 November through 31 January.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00–17:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Official commemorative ceremonies take place at Anıtkabir on national holidays in Türkiye and on 10 November, the anniversary of Atatürk’s death. For current visiting details, check the official site before you go.
How much time should you plan for Anıtkabir?
The site’s two-part layout gives you the option to see the Peace Park and Monument Block before approaching the mausoleum. Keep the seasonal closing hour in mind as you plan how much of the grounds to visit.
If you are visiting on a national holiday or 10 November, keep the commemorative ceremonies in mind when planning. For other days, note the seasonal closing hour and leave enough time to reach the parts of the site that matter most to your visit.
FAQs
Where is Anıtkabir?
Anıtkabir is in Anıttepe, Ankara.
Is Anıtkabir open every day?
Open daily. Its closing time varies by season.
What are the two main parts of Anıtkabir?
The site is made up of the Peace Park and the Monument Block.
When are commemorative ceremonies held?
Official ceremonies are held on national holidays in Türkiye and on 10 November, the anniversary of Atatürk’s death.