Troy
The legendary city of the Iliad beside the Dardanelles.
About Troy
Troy, immortalised by Homer in the Iliad, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. It stands on the hill of Hisarlık, beside the Dardanelles strait in north-west Türkiye, where the excavations begun by Heinrich Schliemann in 1870 have revealed nine cities built on top of one another over 4,000 years of history.
The Troy we associate with the war, Troy VII, dates from around 1200 BC and shows evidence of destruction by fire, which some archaeologists interpret as proof of the Trojan War. Walking along the walls of the citadel, where Hector and Achilles are said to have fought, while the Aegean wind blows in from the Dardanelles, is a journey back to the origins of Western literature.
The modern Troy Museum, opened in 2018 and named European Museum of the Year in 2020, presents the archaeological finds with cutting-edge audiovisual technology. The replica of the Trojan Horse at the entrance to the site is the obligatory photo. Round off your visit with a stroll around nearby Çanakkale, a lively university town on the shores of the strait.
What to See in Troy
Ruins of Troy (Hisarlık)
This UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site shows the nine superimposed layers of the city. You can see the walls of Homeric Troy (VII), the entrance ramp of Troy II (where Schliemann believed he had found Priam's Treasure) and the remains of Roman temples and houses.
Read more about Ruins of Troy (Hisarlık)Troy Museum
Opened in 2018, this cutting-edge museum was named European Museum of the Year in 2020. It displays pieces from the Neolithic to imperial Rome, with multimedia projections, 3D reconstructions and an excellent explanation of the nine cities.
Read more about Troy MuseumDardanelles Strait
The waterway separating Europe from Asia, setting of myths (Hero and Leander) and historic battles (Gallipoli). You can cross it by ferry from Çanakkale to Eceabat (25 min) and see the Ottoman fortresses on both shores.
Çanakkale
A lively university town and the base for visiting Troy and Gallipoli. Its seafront promenade, the Ottoman castle with its replica of the minelayer Nusret, the clock tower and the waterside bars make it a pleasant stop.
Must-See Places
Food in Troy
Çanakkale is famous for its local cheese (Ezine peyniri), considered one of the best white cheeses in Türkiye, made from sheep's and goat's milk. The restaurants on the seafront serve fresh Aegean fish: grilled sardines, octopus and stuffed mussels (midye dolma).
Don't miss peynir helvası (cheese helva), a typical dessert of the region with a stretchy texture and a unique sweet flavour. Tomatoes from the plain of Troy are famous throughout Türkiye for their intense flavour.
Practical Tips
- The ruins of Troy require imagination: a good guide makes all the difference in understanding the nine layers of civilisation.
- Combine your visit to Troy with Gallipoli (Gelibolu) on the same day: they are just a 25-minute ferry ride apart.
- The Troy Museum closes on Mondays. Allow at least 1 hour for the museum before heading to the ruins.
- If you're staying overnight, Çanakkale is a better base than the village of Tevfikiye next to the ruins.
- The best time is spring or autumn: in summer it's very hot on the site, which has little shade.
Getting There
Çanakkale has a small airport with limited flights from Istanbul. Most international travellers fly into Istanbul and then take a direct bus (5–6 hours) or hire a car. You can also arrive by ferry from Eceabat (on the Gallipoli side) or from Bandırma across the Sea of Marmara.
On private tours, Troy and Gallipoli are usually visited en route between Istanbul and the Aegean coast (Ephesus), making the most of the journey to combine several destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Troy
How many days do I need to visit Troy?
I recommend spending at least 1 day in Troy so you can see the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, you can combine it with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.
When is the best time to visit Troy?
The best time to visit Troy is March to June, September to November. That said, every season has its charm, and Türkiye is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Can I visit Troy with an English-speaking guide?
Yes. As a licensed, English-speaking tour guide in Türkiye, I organise private tours and day tours in Troy. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
How do I get to Troy from Istanbul?
Depending on the destination, you can get there by domestic flight (1–1.5 h), by coach or by private car. On the tours I organise, transport is included and planned to make the most of your sightseeing time.
Can I include Troy in a longer tour of Türkiye?
Of course. Troy combines easily with other destinations in Türkiye. I design tailor-made itineraries of 7, 10, 12 or 15 days that include this and other fascinating places.
Want to visit Troy with a licensed, English-speaking guide? Book your private guide in Türkiye and we'll plan the itinerary together.
Read More about Troy
Guides, tips and stories to help you plan your visit.
Troy: What to See, History and How to Get There from Istanbul
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Troy Museum, Çanakkale: the Steel Cube That Explains Nine Cities
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