Troy Ancient City Travel Guide

The Ancient City of Troy, the subject of Homer’s Iliad, where a ten-year war was fought and which has become a symbol of love, betrayal, and heroism, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, this ancient city invites visitors to embark on a 5,000-year journey on the windy hills of Çanakkale.

Where is Troy and How to Get There?

Troy is located at the intersection of the Marmara and Aegean regions, approximately 30 km from the center of Çanakkale, within the borders of Tevfikiye Village.

Transportation Options to Troy

By Car:
While driving from Çanakkale toward İzmir, turn right at the “Troy” sign around the 25th kilometer and reach the site after 5 km.

Minibus (Dolmuş):
You can take minibuses departing hourly from local stops in Çanakkale city center (usually near the underpass area) heading to Tevfikiye/Troy.

Tour Options:
Many agencies in Çanakkale offer guided tours to Troy and the Troy Museum.

History of Troy and the Trojan War

When Troy is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is the Trojan War. According to mythology, the war began when Paris, the prince of Troy, abducted Helen, the queen of Sparta. The Achaeans (Greeks) besieged the city for ten years. The fate of the war changed with the Trojan Horse, an idea attributed to the clever Odysseus.

From an archaeological perspective, Troy consists of nine different settlement layers (from Troy I to Troy IX). The city was brought to light through controversial excavations by Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870s, proving that the earliest settlement dates back to around 3000 BC. The war described in the epic is generally associated with the Troy VI or Troy VIIa layers.

Must-See Structures in Troy

Unlike other ancient cities with grand marble buildings from a single era, Troy is more like a time tunnel spanning thousands of years.

Troy Ancient Walls

One of the most impressive remains of the city. The sloping defensive walls from the Troy VI period demonstrate the advanced military engineering of the time. These are believed to be the walls described in the Iliad.

Temple of Athena

Although only the foundations remain today, this was once the most sacred area of the city. It is said that Alexander the Great visited this temple before his Persian campaign and exchanged his armor with one believed to belong to the Trojan War.

Odeon (Ancient Theatre)

Belonging to the Roman period (Troy IX), this small yet elegant structure reflects the cultural life of the city during Roman times.

Symbolic Trojan Horse

Located at the entrance of the site, this massive wooden horse is the symbol of Troy. It is a replica of the original and a popular stop for families and photography enthusiasts. (Note: The horse used in the movie “Troy” starring Brad Pitt is displayed in Çanakkale city center along the waterfront.)

Entrance Fees and Visiting Hours

As of 2026, the current visiting information is:

Entrance Fee:
Free for Turkish citizens with a Museum Card (Müzekart). For foreign visitors, fees are updated in Euros (approximately €25–€30).

Visiting Hours:

• Summer Season (April–October): 08:30 – 20:00
• Winter Season (November–March): 08:30 – 17:30

Tip: You can consider combined tickets or separate entry for the nearby Troy Museum.

Suggested Route for Visiting Troy

Since Troy has a complex, layered layout, it is important to follow the designated walking route:

• Start at the Trojan Horse at the entrance.
• Walk along the Eastern Walls to explore the Troy VI defensive system.
• Reach the Temple of Athena and enjoy the view overlooking the Dardanelles.
• Visit the ramped entrance of Troy II (where Schliemann discovered the treasure).
• End your tour with the Roman-era Council Building (Bouleuterion) and the Odeon.

Best Photo Spots in Troy

In Front of the Walls:
The massive, sloping walls create dramatic and deep compositions.

Viewpoint Terraces:
Overlooking the strait and wind turbines of Çanakkale, these spots highlight the city’s strategic importance.

Trojan Horse:
Capture a classic photo in front of the iconic wooden horse at the entrance.

Best Time to Visit Troy

Season:
Çanakkale is known for its strong winds. May, June, and September are ideal months to visit without extreme heat or harsh winds.

Time of Day:
Afternoon hours toward sunset offer the most beautiful lighting, especially on the ancient walls.

Practical Tips for Visiting Troy

Don’t Skip the Museum:
Opened in 2018, the Troy Museum won the “European Museum of the Year” award. Most artifacts from the site are displayed here. Visiting the museum first will make your experience at the ancient city much more meaningful.

Footwear:
The terrain is uneven, so choose closed, sturdy walking or trekking shoes instead of sandals.

Wind:
Even in summer, the elevated location can be windy. Bringing a light jacket is a good idea.