Troy

Troy is one of the world’s most famous archaeological destinations, bringing together ancient history, mythology and thousands of years of settlement. Located near the village of Tevfikiye in Çanakkale, the site is widely associated with the Trojan War described in Homer’s Iliad. The history of the Ancient City of Troy reaches back to around 3000 BC. Archaeological excavations have revealed multiple cities built one above another, showing that the site was repeatedly destroyed, rebuilt and expanded by different communities. Its strategic position close to the Dardanelles allowed it to control important trade routes between the Aegean and Black Sea regions. Visitors can explore the remains of defensive walls, gateways, houses, temples, public buildings and structures from the Greek and Roman periods. These different archaeological layers reveal how Troy developed from an early fortified settlement into an important ancient city. Troy also holds a unique place in world literature and mythology. The stories of Achilles, Hector, Paris and Helen, together with the legendary wooden horse, have inspired writers, artists and travellers for centuries. Archaeological research has transformed Troy from a legendary setting into one of the most significant ancient sites in Anatolia. The Ancient City of Troy was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998 because of its exceptional archaeological importance and its lasting influence on European literature, art and cultural history. Located near the entrance to the archaeological site, the Troy Museum presents artefacts discovered at Troy and across the ancient Troad region. Its collections include pottery, sculptures, inscriptions, jewellery, coins and objects from different periods of settlement. The exhibitions explain the archaeology of the Troad, Bronze Age Troy, the Iliad and Trojan War, the Greek and Roman city of Ilion, and the history of excavations at the site. Modern displays, reconstructions and visual presentations help visitors understand the different layers before or after exploring the ancient city. Together, the Ancient City of Troy and the Troy Museum offer a journey through archaeology, mythology and ancient Anatolian history. Visiting both provides a clearer understanding of how the legendary city developed and why its story continues to fascinate people around the world.