Alexandria Troas is a sprawling Hellenistic and Roman city in the Ezine district of Çanakkale Province, located near Dalyan village approximately 50 kilometres south of Çanakkale city. Founded circa 310 BCE by Antigonus I, the city was refounded and renamed by Lysimachus in honour of Alexander the Great and grew into one of the largest and most prosperous cities of the eastern Aegean world during the Roman Imperial period. At its height the city's population is estimated to have reached 100,000 inhabitants, and it served as a major port connecting Anatolia to Macedonia and Rome.
The site today is largely unexcavated and unfenced, spread across several kilometres of scrub and farmland that preserves an eerie quality unique among ancient cities in the region. Visitors walk among massive Roman-era structures including the ruins of a bath complex with standing vaulted arches reaching over ten metres — one of the most impressive Roman ruin complexes in northwestern Turkey. The remains of the ancient harbour walls are visible along the coastline, and sections of the city walls and towers can be traced through the vegetation.
The apostle Paul is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (20:5–12) as having visited Alexandria Troas on his journeys, and a crumbling Byzantine-era tower on a hillside above the site is locally associated with the church where Paul raised Eutychus. The combination of Hellenistic foundations, Roman imperial grandeur, and early Christian association makes the site unusual even by the standards of the historically dense Çanakkale region.
A visit takes one and a half to two hours on foot. The site has no visitor facilities, no café, and minimal signage. It rewards visitors with a genuine sense of exploration and is rarely crowded. The best approach is from Dalyan village, where the bath complex is most easily located.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours (unfenced site)
- Best time
- morning
Location
Dalyan Köyü, Ezine, Çanakkale (50km south of Çanakkale city)
39.7556, 26.1722 View on map
Highlights
- Massive Roman bath complex ruins with standing vaulted arches over ten metres high
- Remains of ancient harbour walls along the Aegean coastline
- One of the largest ancient cities of the eastern Aegean, population estimated at 100,000 at its peak
- Site associated with the apostle Paul's travels (Acts of the Apostles 20:5–12)
- Unfenced, largely unexcavated site offering an unusually exploratory visitor experience
Tips for visiting
- Bring a printed or downloaded map — signage at the site is almost non-existent
- The bath complex ruins near Dalyan village are the most impressive structure and the easiest to find
- Wear long trousers and tick-repellent in spring and summer — the scrub is dense and ticks are present
- No facilities on site; carry water and snacks from Ezine town (the nearest café)
- Combine with a stop in Gülpınar (Apollo Smintheus Temple) to the south for a full day of Troad archaeology
- No admission fee; the site is freely accessible at all hours
When to visit
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant walking conditions. Summer visits are possible in the morning before heat builds, but the lack of shade makes afternoon visits inadvisable in July–August.
Accessibility
The site is entirely open land with no paved paths, ramps, or accessible facilities. The terrain is uneven scrub and farmland; wheelchair access is not feasible. Comfortable walking shoes and reasonable fitness are required for a meaningful visit.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Alexandria Troas free to visit?
Yes. The site is unfenced and freely accessible at all hours. There is no ticketing or visitor center on site.
How well is Alexandria Troas excavated?
The site is largely unexcavated. Systematic archaeological work has been sporadic and limited; the extent of the ruins beneath the ground is significantly larger than what is currently visible. Major structures like the bath complex have never been fully cleared.
What is the most impressive feature at Alexandria Troas?
The Roman bath complex near Dalyan village, with its standing vaulted arches, is the most visually striking surviving structure. The scale of the arches in an otherwise quiet agricultural landscape makes for a dramatic and unexpected sight.