Following the Footsteps of Legends: Discovering the Secrets of Ancient Troy
From the immortal verses of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey to blockbuster Hollywood adaptations and exhibitions in the world's leading museums, the story of Troy has captivated the imagination of people across the globe for centuries.
Located in the North Aegean region and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this legendary city is not merely a silent witness to bygone eras but also an inexhaustible source of inspiration for world literature, art, and science. Today, Troy's remarkable heritage is being showcased to the world through major international projects.
One of this year's greatest cultural achievements is the exhibition of Trojan artifacts at Rome's Colosseum, which opened on June 11. The project brings together 221 masterpieces from 19 Turkish museums, including the award-winning Troy Museum in Çanakkale, along with 80 exhibits from Italian collections. Fifty Turkish artifacts are being displayed to the Italian public for the first time. The exhibition has attracted tremendous international media attention and once again highlighted Troy's status as a treasure of global heritage.
The cultural and scientific mission continues worldwide. Following a successful conference at the Turkish House in New York, the Netherlands will host the next events. A unique photography exhibition will open at the Yunus Emre Institute in Amsterdam on June 28, while Professor Rüstem Aslan, chief archaeologist of the Troy excavation project, will deliver a lecture at Leiden University on June 29. Yet international exhibitions are only the beginning. To truly uncover the mystery of this great city, Türkiye invites travelers to visit the archaeological site of Troy, located just 30 kilometers from the center of Çanakkale.
The Harmony of Nature, History, and Myth: Çanakkale
Situated at the northern gateway to the Aegean Sea, near the strategic Dardanelles Strait, Çanakkale is a unique coastal destination. Visitors can enjoy sunny beaches, water sports, scenic camping sites, cycling routes, and charming wineries.
History enthusiasts can explore memorials dedicated to the Battle of Çanakkale (the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I) or dive to view sunken warships. Nature lovers can discover the emerald slopes of the legendary Mount Ida (Kaz Mountains), the crystal-clear waters of Assos, and the peaceful island atmosphere of Bozcaada and Gökçeada. Nevertheless, Troy remains the crown jewel of the province. The giant wooden Trojan Horse displayed on Çanakkale's waterfront serves as a symbolic gateway into a world of myths and legends.
Troy: 5,000 Years of Continuous History
Located near the village of Tevfikiye, Troy entered world history primarily as the city that inspired Homer's Iliad. However, long before the events of the Trojan War immortalized the site, it was already a thriving settlement. Today, the UNESCO-listed archaeological complex reveals more than ten cultural layers spanning 5,000 years of continuous history, from the Early Bronze Age to the Byzantine period.
At the entrance to the citadel stands a monumental wooden Trojan Horse. From there, visitors can stroll along remarkably preserved fortification walls and ancient stone-paved streets where legendary figures such as Achilles and Hector may once have walked.
Troy's story is also closely connected to the origins of the Roman Empire through the legend of Aeneas. According to Virgil, after the fall of Troy, Prince Aeneas embarked on a perilous journey in search of a "New Troy." Following the route now officially recognized by the Council of Europe as the Aeneas Route, he reached the shores of Latium, where his descendants later founded Rome in 753 BC.
Troy Museum: An Interactive Journey Through Time
A visit to Troy would not be complete without exploring the state-of-the-art Troy Museum located at the entrance to the archaeological site. This award-winning architectural masterpiece offers visitors an immersive journey through history.
Across its three floors, multimedia technologies, dioramas, and projections recreate the city's long chronology, allowing visitors to view priceless archaeological treasures within their historical context.
Useful Travel Tips
How to get there: Regular daily flights connect Istanbul Airport with Çanakkale. Travelers can also drive from Istanbul in just a few hours via the impressive 1915 Çanakkale Bridge.
Where to stay: Çanakkale offers a wide range of accommodations, from international hotel chains to charming boutique properties. For a more authentic experience, visitors can stay in family-run guesthouses in Tevfikiye, the village closest to the archaeological site.
What to do: Ancient Troy is an important stop along the Troy Wine Route, which stretches from the Gallipoli Peninsula through Eceabat and Troy to the picturesque island of Bozcaada, introducing visitors to centuries-old local winemaking traditions.
What to taste: Çanakkale's cuisine perfectly complements its wines. Visitors should try the famous Ezine cheese, Aegean-style appetizers prepared with local olive oil, and fresh seafood, especially the renowned sardines caught in the waters of the Dardanelles and Saros Bay.
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