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Attractions · Çanakkale, Çanakkale

Troy Wooden Horse (City Square)

  • CategoryLandmark
  • Duration15-20 minutes
  • AdmissionAdult Free · Child Free
  • Rating★ 4.1
  • PriceFree
  • TransportCity center on foot

The Troy Wooden Horse replica in Çanakkale city center stands at İskele Meydanı (Ferry Square) on the Dardanelles waterfront and is one of the most photographed objects in the city. The horse was constructed for the 2004 Hollywood film Troy, directed by Wolfgang Petersen and starring Brad Pitt as Achilles, and was donated to the city of Çanakkale after filming concluded.

Troy Wooden Horse (City Square)

The Troy Wooden Horse replica in Çanakkale city center stands at İskele Meydanı (Ferry Square) on the Dardanelles waterfront and is one of the most photographed objects in the city. The horse was constructed for the 2004 Hollywood film Troy, directed by Wolfgang Petersen and starring Brad Pitt as Achilles, and was donated to the city of Çanakkale after filming concluded. It serves as an accessible introduction to the mythological heritage of the region for visitors arriving at or departing from the city ferry terminal.

The wooden horse is a large-scale hollow timber structure approximately eight metres tall, built in the style of a Mycenaean-era siege weapon as imagined in film production design. A small internal ladder allows visitors to climb inside and look out through openings in the horse's body, providing an unusual perspective and a popular activity for children and adults alike. The horse is surrounded by a small cobbled plaza with café seating, informational panels about the Trojan War myth, and a view across the Dardanelles to the European shore.

At night the horse is illuminated and forms a landmark visible from the ferry approaching the Çanakkale dock. It sits at the junction of the waterfront promenade and the city's pedestrian shopping street, making it a natural orientation point and meeting place in the city center. A visit including the internal climb takes approximately 15–20 minutes. The plaza is free to enter and open around the clock.

While the structure is a modern film prop rather than a historical artefact, it functions effectively as a gateway symbol for the Troy-related heritage of the Çanakkale region. Many visitors use it as a first stop before taking the dolmuş to the actual Troy ruins 30 km south.

Good to know

Hours
Open 24 hours
Best time
evening

Location

İskele Meydanı (Ferry Square), Çanakkale City Center

40.1541, 26.4108 View on map

Highlights

  • Original film prop from the 2004 Hollywood film Troy (dir. Wolfgang Petersen), donated to Çanakkale city
  • Climbable interior — a ladder allows visitors to look out from within the horse structure
  • Located at İskele Meydanı on the Dardanelles waterfront, easily combined with the promenade walk
  • Night illumination visible from the approaching ferry dock after dark
  • Informational panels on the Trojan War myth and Çanakkale's archaeological heritage

Tips for visiting

  • Visit in the evening for night illumination and a quieter atmosphere after day-trip tour groups depart
  • The internal climb is free and takes about 10 minutes; the ladder is steep — hold the handrail
  • Combine with a walk along the Dardanelles promenade and a stop at Çimenlik Castle (10 min on foot)
  • The plaza has café seating with good Dardanelles views — a pleasant pause before or after the ferry
  • The dolmuş to Troy (30 km south) departs from the nearby otogar; this horse is a useful pre-trip orientation
  • The horse is busiest midday when tour buses stop; earlier morning or late afternoon is calmer

When to visit

Evening visits are most atmospheric, when the illuminated horse is visible against the waterfront and the plaza fills with locals. The horse can be visited at any time year-round, though midday sees the highest tour group density.

Accessibility

The plaza is flat and fully accessible by wheelchair. The internal ladder climb is not accessible for wheelchair users or visitors with limited upper body strength. The surrounding waterfront area is fully paved and step-free.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Troy Wooden Horse a historical artefact?

No. The horse is a prop built for the 2004 film Troy and donated to the city of Çanakkale after production. It is a modern object that serves as a widely recognized symbol of the region's Trojan War heritage.

Can visitors climb inside the wooden horse?

Yes. An internal ladder allows visitors to ascend inside the horse and look through openings in its body. The climb is free and accessible to most adults and older children.

Is there a fee to visit the Wooden Horse?

No, the plaza and the horse are free to access. The internal climb is also free of charge.