Troy National Park, Çanakkale

National Park in Çanakkale

Few archaeological sites capture the imagination quite like Troy. Perched above the plains of northwestern Turkey, overlooking the Dardanelles, this ancient city blends myth and history in equal measure. Walking among its crumbling walls and towers, you can almost hear echoes of Achilles, Hector, and Priam — figures immortalized in Homer’s Iliad. Today, the site forms part of Troy National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines sweeping landscapes, archaeological remains, and a beautifully designed museum that brings three thousand years of history to life.

For travelers exploring Çanakkale or the Gallipoli Peninsula, Troy makes a fascinating contrast — a place where ancient Greek legend meets real Anatolian history. The park is peaceful, atmospheric, and thoughtfully presented, making it one of the best places to go on a day trip from Çanakkale. Standing on the city ramparts and gazing over the plain of the Scamander River, it's easy to understand why this corner of Turkey has inspired poets, explorers, and dreamers for centuries.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do in Troy National Park
How to Get to Troy National Park
Practical Tips for Visiting Troy National Park
Nearby Attractions to Troy National Park

History and Significance

Troy’s story spans more than 4,000 years, layered across nine successive settlements built one atop another. Archaeologists first identified the site in the 19th century, when Heinrich Schliemann’s dramatic (and controversial) excavations revealed monumental walls that seemed to match Homer’s descriptions. Subsequent research confirmed that Troy was indeed an important Bronze Age city, strategically located near the Dardanelles, controlling access between the Aegean and the Black Sea.

The city’s destruction around 1200 BCE likely inspired the epic tale of the Trojan War, though the real story is far more complex. Later layers include Greek, Roman, and Byzantine settlements, making Troy a living palimpsest of civilizations. Today, the site and its museum aim not only to evoke myth but also to explain the real archaeology behind it — from fortifications and temples to everyday pottery and trade goods.

Things to See and Do in Troy National Park

Begin your visit at the Troy Museum, located just before the main archaeological area. Opened in 2018, it’s one of Turkey’s most impressive archaeological museums, with sleek architecture inspired by the city’s layers of history. Inside, you’ll find stunning Bronze Age artifacts, interactive displays, and reconstructions that place the myths in their historical context. Don’t miss the famous gold jewelry, ceramics, and tools excavated from the ancient city.

From the museum, follow the walking path to the ruins of Troy itself. Highlights include the reconstructed Wooden Horse, the South Gate with its massive stone walls, and the remains of Troy VI and VII, the cities thought to correspond with the period of the Trojan War. You can also see the ancient fortifications, the Temple of Athena, and a Roman-era theater offering wide views across the surrounding plains. The route is well-marked and easy to follow, taking about an hour at a relaxed pace.

How to Get to Troy National Park

Troy National Park lies about 30 kilometers southwest of Çanakkale, making it an easy half-day excursion. Buses and organized tours depart regularly from the city center, or you can hire a taxi or rental car for more flexibility. The drive takes around 40 minutes along the D550 highway, passing through green countryside and small villages. If you are looking to rent a car in Turkey I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips for Visiting Troy National Park

Best time to visit: April to June or September to October, when temperatures are mild and crowds thinner.
Entrance fee in Euros: Around 10 € (350 TRY), including access to both the ruins and the Troy Museum.
Opening hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer; closes earlier in winter.
Official website: www.troya2018.com
How long to spend: Allow at least 2–3 hours for the museum and ruins combined.
Accessibility: Paths are mostly level, with ramps at key points for wheelchair users.
Facilities: Café, restrooms, gift shop, and shaded rest areas near the museum.
Photography tip: Visit early morning or sunset for warm light over the ruins; the Trojan Horse makes an iconic shot.
Guided tours: Available at the entrance and through local operators in Çanakkale.
Nearby food options: Small restaurants and teahouses in Tevfikiye village, just outside the site.

Nearby Attractions to Troy National Park

Çanakkale City: Lively harbor city with a waterfront promenade and the replica Trojan Horse from the 2004 movie.
Gallipoli Peninsula: A moving World War I site with memorials and serene coastal views.
Assos (Behramkale): Ancient Greek ruins perched above the Aegean, about 90 minutes south of Troy.
Alexandria Troas: A vast ancient port city with temples and a Roman bath complex near Dalyan.
Dardanelles Strait Ferry: A scenic short crossing between Europe and Asia, connecting Çanakkale to Kilitbahir.

The Troy National Park appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Çanakkale!

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