What to see in Turkey

Çanakkale

Located close by the ancient site of Troy, Çanakkale is a major city and seaport on the southern shore of the Dardanelles Strait. Stradling the continents of both Asia and Europe, Çanakkale is the jumping-off point for not only the historic Battlefields of Gallipoli and the remnants of legendary Troy but also the sunkissed beach resorts of Turkey’s Aegean Coast. The city’s rich and long history makes a trip to Çanakkale eternally fascinating. Due to its situation on the Dardanelles Strait, Çanakkale has long been an important trade centre and it’s believed that settlements here can be traced back as far as the Bronze Age!

Over the centuries, diverse civilisations have left their mark on the city, including the ancient Aeolian Greeks, Persians, Romans and Byzantines, but the city is perhaps best known for its connections to Troy, the setting for Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad. In fact, the Trojan Horse used for the 2004 movie adaptation sits on Çanakkale’s seafront promenade today. 

These days, Çanakkale boasts a youthful atmosphere, the result of the city’s universities, and a full cultural calendar of events. Home to excellent museums, a picturesque marina and well-connected to some of the top historical and natural sights in the country, a stay in Çanakkale surely deserves a place on your itinerary if you travel to Turkey. 

Things to see in Çanakkale 

With its white-washed and orange roofed buildings, Çanakkale is a quintessential Turkish city, with plenty of things to see and do. Of course, no tour of Çanakkale would be complete without making a photo stop at the Trojan Horse. Said to be an excellent representation of the ingenious wooden horse used in the Trojan War, Çanakkale’s famous Trojan Horse sits on the waterfront promenade and enjoys beautiful views across the Dardanelles Strait. Continue southward along the waterfront and you’ll reach the Maritime Museum, another of the best things to see in Çanakkale. On exhibition here is a variety of naval artefacts, including cannons, ships and other artillery. For those interested in the history of important conflicts such as the Battle of the Dardanelles, this museum is surely unmissable and offers insight into the events that shaped modern-day Çanakkale. 

A stone’s throw away is Cimenlik Castle, one of the best things to see in Çanakkale. Constructed in 1452 by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, the castle is now a military museum. Not only is it a fascinating example of the Ottoman military architecture, inside the castle courtyard there are a number of interesting military artefacts as well as a gunpowder mill and two mosques.

For lovers of more artistic pursuits, one of the best places to visit in Çanakkale is its historic Ceramics Museum. Housed within a former Turkish bath, this beautifully curated collection is based on the ambition to rekindle the city’s reputation as a centre of pottery and ceramics. Indeed, in the past Çanakkale was well known for its pottery goods, and today visitors can witness this heritage at the Ceramics Museum. The museum shop also offers an excellent selection of local wares, for those looking to take home an authentic souvenir!

Of course, if you’re looking for a day trip from Çanakkale, the ancient city of Troy and the Gallipoli Historical Park are must-sees! Alternatively, boat trips along the Dardanelles Strait are another popular thing to do in Çanakkale.