From literary myth to must-visit destination, the legendary city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is once again captivating the world with international exhibitions and a unique tourist experience in the northern Aegean region of Türkiye.
From the verses of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to its portrayal in film and major cultural institutions, the history of Troy has transcended centuries and borders. Today, this unique site in the northern Aegean region of Türkiye, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is once again taking centre stage on the international stage, not only as a historical symbol but also as a tourist destination capable of offering a comprehensive experience to the modern traveller.
The renewed global interest in Troy is reflected in an ambitious cultural programme. Among the most recent highlights is the exhibition that opened on 11 June at the Colosseum in Rome, one of the most significant international exhibitions dedicated to the ancient city in recent years. The exhibition brings together 221 artefacts from 19 museums in Türkiye — including the Troy Museum in Çanakkale — alongside 80 works from Italian collections, some of which have never before been exhibited in the country.
This initiative is complemented by exhibitions, conferences and activities in cities such as New York and Amsterdam, which continue to bring the legacy of Troy to new audiences and reinforce its position as a cultural landmark of global significance.
From mythical setting to real-life destination
Beyond its international reputation, the Troya experience truly comes into its own at the destination itself. Situated just 30 kilometres from Çanakkale, the ancient city invites visitors to discover first-hand the place that inspired one of the founding narratives of Western culture.
The Çanakkale region, at the entrance to the Dardanelles Strait, is a destination that combines historical heritage and natural beauty. Beaches, outdoor activities, cycle routes and food and wine experiences coexist alongside sites of great historical significance, such as those linked to the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War, as well as nearby destinations such as Assos, Mount Ida and the islands of Bozcaada and Gökçeada.
A journey through 5,000 years of history
Regarded as the area’s main attraction, Troy offers a unique experience based on the interplay of cultures and civilisations. The archaeological site, situated in the village of Tevfikiye, preserves remains from over 5,000 years of continuous occupation, organised into different layers spanning from the Bronze Age to the Eastern Roman period.
The tour allows visitors to explore walls, streets and structures that reflect the city’s historical evolution, linked both to the epic tale of the Trojan War and to its significance in antiquity. Furthermore, the tradition linking Troy to the origins of Rome, through the figure of Aeneas, reinforces its symbolic significance within European history.
An experience that goes beyond the archaeological site
A visit to Troy is rounded off by the Troy Museum, situated next to the archaeological site. This exhibition space, with its contemporary architecture, offers a comprehensive interpretation of the site through an immersive narrative that connects its past with today’s visitors, enhancing the destination’s appeal from both an educational and experiential perspective.
Key information for organising your visit
- How to get there: Daily flights connect Istanbul Airport with Çanakkale, and there are also road routes allowing you to reach the destination in a few hours.
- Where to stay: The region offers everything from city hotels to boutique accommodation and rural options in Tevfikiye, next to the archaeological site.
- Top experiences: the Troy Wine Route winds its way through Gallipoli, Eceabat, Troy and the island of Bozcaada, combining heritage with winemaking tradition.
- Cuisine: local produce such as Ezine cheese, olive oil and fish from the Aegean Sea – particularly sardines from the Dardanelles – define the culinary offering.
About the TÜRKİYE TOURISM PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (TGA)
TGA works to ensure that Türkiye is a recognised brand in national and international tourism, to promote Türkiye’s tangible and intangible, natural, cultural, biological and man-made heritage, and to engage in short-, medium- and long-term communication and marketing activities, with a view to increasing the contribution of tourism investment to the national economy and improving the quality of service in tourism.
TGA is responsible for carrying out all promotional, marketing and communication activities to help Türkiye achieve its tourism objectives, promote and market existing tourism resources worldwide, and identify, develop and make potential tourism resources available online, in line with the tourism strategies and policies drawn up by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Source: COMUNICACIÓN IBEROAMERICANA