Legendary Troy and the poignant Gallipoli battlefields sit side by side on the Dardanelles. Here is how to experience two of history’s great sites.
Where the Aegean meets the Dardanelles, two of history’s most resonant sites lie close together. Troy, city of Homer’s Iliad, and the Gallipoli (Gelibolu) peninsula, scene of the pivotal 1915 WWI campaign, make a profound pairing around the town of Çanakkale.
Ancient Troy
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Troy reveals layers of cities stretching back 4,000 years. Walk the excavated walls and ramparts, see the famous reconstructed wooden horse, and visit the excellent Troy Museum nearby.
The Gallipoli Battlefields
Across the strait, the Gallipoli peninsula is a moving place of remembrance — Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair and the Turkish memorials honour the hundreds of thousands who fell. It holds deep meaning for Turkish, Australian and New Zealand visitors alike.
How to Visit
Both are reached via Çanakkale, around 4–5 hours from Istanbul, and often combined in a day or two. Pair them with the Aegean coast and Ephesus on a longer trip, or build your own tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Troy and Gallipoli together?
Yes. Both are reached via Çanakkale on the Dardanelles and are commonly combined in a one- or two-day visit, often on the way between Istanbul and the Aegean coast.
Is the Trojan Horse at Troy?
A large wooden horse stands at the Troy archaeological site as a symbol of the legend. (The film-prop horse is displayed in Çanakkale town.) The site itself reveals real city layers spanning 4,000 years.
Why is Gallipoli important?
Gallipoli was the site of a major WWI campaign in 1915. Its battlefields and memorials are places of remembrance with deep significance for Turkish, Australian and New Zealand (Anzac) visitors.
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