The route to Troy from Istanbul: How to discover the ruins in Türkiye

If you're passionate about history and film, you probably recognized the image that opens this post. It's the Trojan Horse used in Wolfgang Petersen's film (Troy, 2004), starring Brad Pitt as Achilles, donated by Warner Bros. to the city of Çanakkale, Turkey, the film's location and the site of the events surrounding the Trojan War.

Since time immemorial, humanity has marveled at the story of Troy, the city that was the setting for one of the most iconic sagas of Ancient Greece. Its ruins, whose fame transcends the limits of time, are located near Çanakkale and are a dream tourist destination that transports travelers back in time to a legendary era.

The story of Troy dates back to Greek mythology and was immortalized in Homer's epic poem, the Iliad. According to legend, this ancient city was founded by the Trojan prince Aeneas and became the epicenter of the legendary war, between 1184 BC and 1194 BC. The city was besieged for 10 long years by the Greeks, who finally managed to infiltrate it thanks to the ingenuity of the famous wooden horse.

The historical importance of the Trojan horse

According to legend, the Greeks built this enormous hollow wooden horse as part of a strategy to infiltrate the city. The Trojans, believing the horse to be a gift, brought it into the city, and inside, Greek warriors were hidden. This cunning maneuver led to the fall of Troy and has become a symbol of ingenuity and cunning in popular culture, but it's also a favorite backdrop for tourists' selfies.

Today, the ruins of Troy are located near Çanakkale, a Turkish city that has preserved its historical charm and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting this archaeological site will immerse you in a journey back in time. You can walk along the ancient walls, explore the Trojan houses, and admire the famous Trojan Horse, an enduring symbol of the legend.

When you explore this Anatolian city, you'll discover amazing curiosities. Multiple layers of Trojan cities have been identified at the site, each built upon the ruins of the previous one. A treasure known as Priam's Treasure has also been found, including priceless gold antiquities and jewels.

In terms of gastronomy, Çanakkale is known for its unique dishes, which combine Greek and Turkish influences. You absolutely must try the fresh fish from the Aegean Sea, the traditional "manti" (Turkish dumplings), and, of course, the delicious baklava for dessert.

If you have extra time, the area surrounding Troy is just as captivating as its ruins. The ancient city of Assos, also in Çanakkale, is notable for its impressive Temple of Athena and panoramic sea views. Other attractions to explore include the beaches of Gallipoli, renowned for their natural beauty and historical significance.

How to get to the ruins from Istanbul

To begin this exciting adventure, you can take a bus from Istanbul to Çanakkale or even a ferry across the Dardanelles Strait , offering a scenic journey along the way. Once in Çanakkale, you can take a minibus that will take you directly to the ruins of Troy.

Several programs can take you and your family to discover the ruins of Troy, such as this 10-day, 9-night option , perfect for a vacation.Turkey from Head to Toe (11 days and 10 nights) and Essential Turkey (9 days and 8 nights) will also take you to the ancient city, but beyond the historical charm of Çanakkale, any of these programs will invite you to explore the main attractions of this transcontinental nation.

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