Troy, located at Hisarlik near Çanakkale, is one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites, renowned for its historical and mythological significance. The ancient city is immortalized in Greek mythology as the setting for the Trojan War, a pivotal event narrated by Homer in the Iliad and Odyssey. The city’s historical relevance spans approximately 4,000 years, serving as a vital cultural and trade center that bridged the Aegean, Anatolia, Balkans, and Black Sea regions.

Troy played a significant role during the Heroic Age, a time depicted in Greek mythology as an era when gods interacted with humans and heroes like Achilles and Hector dominated. The city is believed to have existed in nine distinct phases, with Troy VI or VII often associated with the famous Trojan War, which likely took place around the 13th century BC. The area comprises nine distinct layers, each representing different phases of settlement. Troy VI (1700–1250 BC) is often identified with the prosperous city that fought the Greeks, while Troy VII (1250–950 BC) shows evidence of destruction, aligning with the legend of the city’s fall.

The archaeological work, begun in 1871 by Heinrich Schliemann, revealed that beneath the classical ruins of Troy lay earlier Bronze Age layers, adding credence to the legend of the Trojan War. Frank Calvert, who first identified the location, and Schliemann, who carried out extensive excavations, unearthed significant structures like the citadel walls, gates, and bastions, which matched ancient literary descriptions.

Archaeological Significance

The city’s location is pivotal to understanding the cultural exchanges between Anatolia, the Aegean, and the Balkans. The site offers a continuous settlement record over 3,000 years, reflecting the evolution of civilizations from prehistoric times through the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Among the notable finds are the 23 sections of defensive walls, eleven gates, and remnants of bastions. Troy’s enduring significance also includes its strategic position, acting as a cultural bridge for trade and the spread of knowledge across regions.Troy’s legacy as a symbol of European civilization’s early development is monumental. Excavations have uncovered intricate details about the defensive structures and everyday life, providing a fuller picture of how the city evolved over time.

It is essential to highlight that the city’s occupation is marked by nine distinct layers, each representing a different period of habitation. The famous Trojan War period is most often linked to Troy VI or Troy VII, with evidence of significant urbanization, fortified walls, and a catastrophic event that could correlate with the war. This multi-layered history makes Troy unique, as each layer tells a different story about the city’s rulers, culture, and eventual decline.

The Troy Museum, which opened in 2018, is located near the ancient city of Troy, in the village of Tevfikiye, Çanakkale. This modern museum showcases the rich history of Troy and the surrounding region, with a collection that spans thousands of years. The exhibits include a wide range of artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, sculptures, and architectural fragments discovered during excavations in the ancient city. The museum provides insight into the various layers of Troy, from the early Bronze Age settlements to the Roman and Byzantine periods. With interactive displays and detailed reconstructions, the museum helps visitors better understand the cultural significance of Troy and its role in ancient history. It is a must-visit for anyone exploring the archaeological site itself.

Troy is about 30 kilometers southwest of the city of Çanakkale. If you’re traveling by car, you can take the D550/E87 highway towards the village of Tevfikiye, which is where the entrance to the ancient site is located. It is an easy drive from Çanakkale, taking around 30-40 minutes.For public transportation, buses regularly depart from the main bus terminal in Çanakkale towards Tevfikiye. After arriving in the village, it’s a short walk to the entrance of the archaeological site. Alternatively, many guided tours from Çanakkale offer transportation directly to Troy.

Hadrianic odeon-layer IX

Museum

trojan horse

Troy layers

You can also explore several nearby historical spots around Troy. These close-by attractions offer further insight into the rich history of the region and are easily accessible for visitors wanting to extend their journey:

Assos

64 km