Where is Troy

Where is Troy?

The ancient city of Troy is situated at the southern entrance to the Dardanelles Straits in Turkey. The Dardanelles (Canakkale Bogazi) were called the “Hellespont” or “Hellespontus” in ancient times.

At its northern exit, the Dardanelles opens into the Sea of Marmara. From there, the maritime route leads to Istanbul, the Bosphorus, and the Black Sea. The southern entrance, where Troy is located, opens out into the Aegean Sea.

The importance of Troy is its location. Throughout history the Dardanelles have guarded the approaches to Istanbul. Nowadays, due to silting up of the Trojan plain, the site is now several km. from the sea, on a hill called “Hisarlik” (place of the fortress).

Troy can be reached via the main Canakkale-Izmir highway. Look out for a junction about 25 km. south of Canakkale sign-posted TROIA (TROYA). Turn along the side road. About 5 km. later, you will find yourself at the entrance to the site of Troy, located just by the village of Tevfikiye.

The new entrance with modern turnstiles is a few hundred meters along a pleasant causeway bordered by trees and flowers after the old, now-disused entrance kiosk.