From the pages of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to literature, art, cinema and academia, the story of Troy has transcended centuries and continents. Located in Türkiye’s North Aegean region and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient city continues to inspire audiences worldwide through a growing series of international cultural and academic initiatives.
A landmark exhibition of Trojan artefacts at Rome’s Colosseum, which opened on June 11, has emerged as one of the most prestigious international showcases of Troy in recent years. The exhibition features 221 artefacts selected from 19 museums across Türkiye, including the Troy Museum in Çanakkale. Of these, 50 are being exhibited in Italy for the first time. The exhibition is complemented by 80 artefacts from Italian museum collections, offering visitors a remarkable insight into Troy’s rich archaeological heritage and reinforcing its status as a universal cultural treasure.
Troy’s international outreach has also extended to the United States and the Netherlands. Following a conference and photography exhibition at the Turkish House in New York, a special photography exhibition opened at the Yunus Emre Institute in Amsterdam on June 28, followed by a conference by Professor Rüstem Aslan, Head Archaeologist of the Troy excavations, at Leiden University on June 29. Further exhibitions and academic programmes are planned worldwide. While these initiatives introduce Troy to new audiences, travellers can experience its history first-hand by visiting the ancient city, located approximately 30 kilometres from Çanakkale city centre.
Situated at the entrance to the Çanakkale Strait, or Dardanelles, Çanakkale offers a rich combination of history, nature and culture. Visitors can enjoy beaches, water sports, cycling trails, campsites and boutique wine routes, while exploring the legacy of the Battle of Çanakkale, including historic shipwrecks. The region also encompasses the landscapes of Mount Ida, the ancient town of Assos and the distinctive islands of Bozcaada and Gökçeada.
At the heart of the region is Troy, located in Tevfikiye village. Best known as the setting associated with Homer’s The Iliad, Troy reveals around 5,000 years of continuous settlement across ten archaeological layers, spanning the Early Bronze Age to the Eastern Roman period. Visitors can explore ancient fortifications, stone walls, streets and monumental structures, while a wooden Trojan Horse at the entrance provides a symbolic introduction to the legendary city. Troy is also connected to the legendary origins of Rome through Aeneas, whose journey following the fall of Troy is immortalised in Virgil’s Aeneid. The Aeneas Route is recognised as a Cultural Route by the Council of Europe.
The experience continues at the award-winning Troy Museum, where archaeological treasures are presented across three levels through an immersive contemporary narrative. Together, the ancient city and museum offer visitors a journey through history, mythology and civilisation, revealing why Troy continues to capture the imagination of the world.