Located in the province of Çanakkale, a seaport in Turkey, Troia or Troy is on UNESCO's World Heritage list. As our guide, Lida informs us, "Archaeological excavations have found traces of nine destroyed and rebuilt cities here. Troia VI is said to be the Troy described by Homer."
A replica of the legendary horse that played a role in Troy's downfall is hard to miss. Rambling in the vicinity of the horse is a man dressed as a Trojan soldier who will pose with you for a few Turkish Lira. We sneak a click of him when he's not looking and proceed towards the ruins where sign posts demarcate areas indicating Troy of the different eras. Original foundation stones belonging to the fortification wall and towers of Troia II and III (c 2500 BC) as well as the fortification walls of Troia I, which was built in 2920 BCE, greeted us first. As we walked around Troia and its ruins–sanctuary altars, sacrificial stones, the odeon (the place where musical competitions were held) and the myths I had read about came to life. Greeks spilled out of the wooden horse, King Priam's (Peter O'Toole) look of horror as he saw Troy burn and Archilles (Brad Pitt) dying as the arrow pierced his heel flashed before my eyes.
The horse from the 2004 version of Troy starring Brad Pitt
We then climb up the wooden ladder leading right into the huge belly of the Trojan horse. As I peer out through the windows and wave to people below, my Troy experience is complete. Or so I thought. But later as I walk down the promenade at Çanakkale I can't help, but stop to pose with the wooden horse from the 2004 movie.
