Hisarlik Archaeological Site
Archaeological mound identified with ancient Troy's ruins
Hisarlik on the Dardanelles plain identifies the multi‑layered site of ancient Troy; visitors explore excavation trenches, reconstructed walls and nearby museum exhibits cataloguing Bronze‑ and Iron‑Age occupation.
Hisarlik at a Glance#
Address: Hisarlik (ancient Troy), near Tevfikiye, Çanakkale Province, Turkey
Website: https://troiaantikkenti.gov.tr/ (site information varies)
Hours: Daylight hours (seasonal; check local signage)
Admission: Entrance fee to the archaeological site/museum varies (ticketing by Turkish archaeological authorities)
About Hisarlik#
Hisarlik is the tell (archaeological mound) commonly identified with ancient Troy, located in Çanakkale Province on Turkey’s northwest Aegean coast. The site is internationally significant for its multilayered record of settlement spanning prehistoric, Bronze Age and historic periods.
The mound exposes remains of successive urban occupations, often referred to in archaeological literature as Troy I through Troy IX, with fortification fragments, domestic remains and public structures preserved in the stratigraphy. Visitors can walk around the mound, view exposed trenches and see conserved masonry and wall sections.
Excavations began in the late 19th century under Heinrich Schliemann and continued with systematic campaigns by Wilhelm Dörpfeld, Carl Blegen and later teams, which established the site’s long occupational history. Finds from the mound include pottery, architectural fragments and artefacts now displayed in regional museums.
Hisarlik lies near the village of Tevfikiye, close to the Dardanelles and the town of Çanakkale on northwest Anatolia’s Aegean shore, making it accessible from the regional transport network.
- Excavation history: First extensively excavated by Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870s and later by other archaeologists, the site revealed a long sequence of settlement layers.
- Combine with Troy Museum: Combine a visit with the nearby Troy Museum to see finds and contextual displays excavated from the mound.
What to See#
- Mound (Hisarlik): The archaeological mound contains multiple occupation layers, traditionally labelled Troy I through Troy IX, representing successive settlements on the same site.
- Excavation areas and displays: Excavation trenches, restored wall sections and on-site interpretation show stratified remains from Bronze Age through Roman periods.
How to Get to Hisarlik#
Hisarlik (Troy) is about 30-40 km from Çanakkale city. The site is accessible by regional road; most visitors arrive by car or organized day tours from Çanakkale. Public buses serve the route to nearby villages, followed by a short walk.
Tips for Visiting Hisarlik#
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid midday heat and to have the site largely to oneself-Troy's outer works are best appreciated without crowds.
- Visit the nearby Troy Museum in Tevfikiye village to see artifacts and the displays that contextualize the hill's many occupation layers.
- Wear sturdy shoes-the trenching and uneven surfaces across the Hisarlik mound demand careful footing.
Best Time to Visit Hisarlik#
Spring and autumn provide the best visiting conditions for Troy and the surrounding museum and sites; summer can be hot and busy.
Weather & Climate near Hisarlik#
Hisarlik's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (596 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 4° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| February | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 5° | 77 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.6h |
| March | Good | 5° - 13° | 7° | 62 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 9° - 18° | 13° | 43 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| May | Excellent | 13° - 23° | 18° | 32 mm | some cloud | 71% | 2.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.2h |
| June | Ideal | 17° - 29° | 23° | 18 mm | mostly sunny | 65% | 3.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 14.7h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 31° | 25° | 12 mm | clear | 60% | 3.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.5h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 25° | 9 mm | clear | 61% | 3.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.5h |
| September | Ideal | 16° - 27° | 21° | 24 mm | mostly sunny | 66% | 3.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 12° - 21° | 16° | 39 mm | some cloud | 75% | 3.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Very Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| December | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 108 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |