6 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Çanakkale, Turkey | Exploring the Trojan Horse and Surroundings

Çanakkale is a bustling city known as the main gateway for tourists visiting the Trojan Horse. It serves as the capital of Çanakkale Province, located in northwestern Turkey. This province spans both Europe and Asia, divided by the Dardanelles Strait. Since the strait is relatively narrow, Çanakkale is an important hub for maritime traffic connecting the two continents.

In this article, we will introduce six must-visit tourist attractions in Çanakkale, including the iconic Trojan Horse!

1. [World Heritage Site] The Ancient Ruins of Troy

In 1871, the discovery of these ancient ruins caused a worldwide sensation by proving that the Troy of Greek mythology truly existed. In 1998, the site was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site under the name "Archaeological Site of Troy".

It is believed that Troy was built seven times throughout history. The site consists of 33 layers of different historical periods, categorized into nine stages (from City I to City IX). The Trojan War, which is estimated to have taken place around 1300–1200 BC, is believed to have occurred during City VII, although research is still ongoing. A replica of the famous Trojan Horse from the myth is also on display at the site.

2. Cumhuriyet Square (Cumhuriyet Meydanı)

Cumhuriyet Meydanı is the Republic Square located at the center of Çanakkale. If you're visiting Çanakkale, this is a great place to stop by. While Çanakkale is not yet a widely explored tourist destination, and guidebooks often list only a handful of attractions, Cumhuriyet Meydanı is certainly worth a visit.

Always bustling with locals and tourists alike, Cumhuriyet Meydanı is best known for its statue of Atatürk, the founding father and first president of Turkey. This statue is particularly rare because it was created while Atatürk was still alive, making it an important historical piece. Other notable landmarks in the square include the "Horse Head Mirror Jug," a ceramic artifact, and two massive cannons (Giant Krupp Guns), which are popular photography spots among visitors.

3. Cimenlik Castle Park

Cimenlik Castle Park is one of the must-visit attractions in Çanakkale. Although it is a fortress park, the castle itself serves as a military museum, which visitors can explore. Since the site is under the jurisdiction of the Turkish Navy, photography inside the museum is prohibited, so be mindful of this rule.

Built in 1942, Cimenlik Castle is a rectangular fortress facing the Dardanelles Strait, with a gun battery on the western wall. The military museum inside showcases Ottoman Turkish weapons, armor, and paintings.

Along the fortress walls, visitors can also see cannons and military vehicles, making this site a must-see for history enthusiasts. As one of the most historically significant structures in Çanakkale, Cimenlik Castle is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing itinerary.

4. Çanakkale Clock Tower

The Çanakkale Clock Tower is a symbolic landmark in the center of the city and a well-known tourist attraction. Built around 1896, the clock tower is made of pink granite. It stands 20 meters tall with five stories, where the first four floors contain rooms, and the fifth floor houses a bell chamber. The square surrounding the clock tower is always lively with tourists, as it serves as a popular meeting point for exploring the city. The area is also lined with restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a great place for visitors to buy local crafts or enjoy Çanakkale’s culinary delights.

Visiting the clock tower at night is also highly recommended. The illuminated tower, combined with the nearby fountains, creates a beautiful nighttime scene, offering a completely different atmosphere than during the daytime. As the symbol of Çanakkale, this landmark does not require much time to visit, but it is definitely worth seeing. It will surely be a memorable highlight of your Çanakkale trip.

5. Trojan Horse of Çanakkale

The Trojan Horse of Çanakkale is a highly popular tourist attraction located in a plaza facing the port. However, it is not the same as the wooden horse at the actual Troy archaeological site. In fact, in some ways, this one might even be more famous than the original.

Why is the Trojan Horse of Çanakkale so well-known? Because this is the actual prop used in the 2004 Hollywood film "Troy," starring Brad Pitt. Seeing a real movie prop up close is truly an exciting experience. Interestingly, the movie was not actually filmed in Turkey. This led to complaints from Turkey, after which the Trojan Horse used in the movie was donated to Çanakkale as a symbolic gesture.

Since it was made for the movie, this Trojan Horse is more photogenic and visually striking than the replica at the Troy ruins. Every day, countless visitors stop by to take pictures, making it a must-visit spot in Çanakkale.

6. Çanakkale Archaeological Museum

The Çanakkale Archaeological Museum is a popular cultural site that provides deep insights into the history of the region. The museum is organized into five themed halls, including the Troy Hall and the Tumulus Hall, making it easy to navigate and explore.
The exhibits include artifacts excavated from the ruins of Troy, as well as displays that chronologically showcase the history and culture of the Çanakkale region. Visitors can also see prehistoric fossils and stone tools, Roman-era sarcophagi, and Ottoman-era pottery, among other valuable historical materials.

If you’re visiting Çanakkale, learning about its history is essential. That’s why a stop at the Çanakkale Archaeological Museum is highly recommended. If you plan to visit the Trojan Horse or the Troy ruins, coming here first will greatly enhance your experience!

◎ Summary of Çanakkale's Tourist Attractions

We’ve introduced six must-visit spots in Çanakkale. While this strait-side port city is not yet a globally renowned tourist destination, we hope this guide has shown that Çanakkale has much more to offer beyond just the Trojan Horse. Sitting by the Dardanelles Strait, enjoying the view, and experiencing a foreign land is a truly unique and memorable experience. Comparing the two different "Trojan Horses"—one at Troy and the other in Çanakkale—can also be an interesting and fun part of your journey!

We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Çanakkale and enhances your travel experience. Enjoy your adventure!

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6 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Çanakkale, Turkey | Exploring the Trojan Horse and Surroundings