About the City
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
ABYDOS
Abydoswas situated at the narrowest point of the Hellespont, and was famous as
the legendary spot where Leander swam over to Sestus to visit his lover, Hero.
Here, too, Xerxes built the famous bridge of boats (480 BC) on which he crossed
with his troops to a promontory on the opposite European shore then torched the
boats to make sure that there was no return for his army. Abydos is located to
the south of Nara point and is about 2 km away from Çanakkale. The remains were
unearthed in 1675.
ALEXANDRIA TROAS AND NEANDRIA
There are two further ancient cities of interest in the Biga
Peninsula- West Coast area. In the 6th Centruy BC, Neandria was built on the
hill known today as Mount Cagri. 13 km from the sea, the harbour of Alexandria-Troas
was built in the 3rd century BC, at which time the epaole abandoned Neandria for
the new harbour-city. St Paul visited the place twice, and on his third
missionary journey, he continued from here to Assos.
BIGA AND KARABIGA (PRIAPOS)
The town of Biga has lent its name to the whole peninsula. It
lies by a river of the same name, where the Persians were defeated by Alexander
the Great at the Battle of Granikos in 334 BC. Biga is thus situated in an
historical area. It is a town of parks, and is a good place to see traditional
style houses. The closest beaches are at Karabiga, Kemer and Sahmele, where you
can find reasonably priced accommodation . Karabiga is of particular interest;
it was known in ancient times as Priapos, after the god, and has cult and
fertility associations. The cult of Priapos spread throughout Anatolia from this
centre. Today Karabiga is a lovely fishing harbour.
BOZCAADA ISLAND
On approaching the island of Bozcaada by ferry, the
impressive Venetian castle is the first thing to draw your attention. Next, you
will notice restaurants and cafes lining the promenade, and clean white houses
glistening in the sun. Taking a trip round the island, you will find plenty of
vineyards and wine cellars; wine seems as plentiful as water on the island.
There are also nice sandy beaches at Ayazma, Poyraz and Igdelik.
CAN
Can is well known for its ceramics. Here, too, there are
sulphur springs which are said to be helpful for curing various disorders of the
liver, intestine and urinary tract. Nearby are two other hot springs at Kulculer
and Kirazli.
ÇANAKKALE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The collection at the museum contains an impressive display of
surprisingly detailed terra-cotta statuettes and well-preserved glass perfume
bottles salvaged from the ruins of Greek civilizations, as well as a small
fraction of the artifacts Schliemann dug up at Troy, along the coast.
Tel : +90.(0)286.217 65 65, +90.(0)286.217 32 52, +90.(0)286.217 6740
ÇANAKKALE ATATURK MUSEUM
In the village of Bigali near Eceabat, the house which
Ataturk used as his headquarters during the Gallipoli Campaign is now a museum.
Visitors can see Ataturk's study and bedroom with displays of his clothing,
everyday objects and photographs.
CIMENLIK CASTLE AND MILITARY MUSEUM
This castle was built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in1452. It was of great
strategic significance, being situated at the narrowest point of the straits
opposite the Kiltbahir Castle, thus ensuring full command of the straits. We
learn from the book written by the traveller Evlıya Celebi that the towers were
repaired in 1551 by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent.
The museum inside the castle displays both weapons from the Ottoman period
and military equipment from the First World War. Visitors can also see a dagger
inscribed with the sultan's signature, a gift from the Germans to Abdulaziz.
Tel : +90.(0)286.217 24 60
DARDANOS
The village of Dardanos is located about 11 km from Çanakkale
near the Kabakli stream in Maltepe. During the contruction of summer houses for
the cement factory in 1959, a family tumulus was unearthed, which shed light on
the history of the region. This tumulus now lies within the grounds of the
university's Dardanos Campus.
FINE ARTS GALLERY
The State Fine Arts Gallery is located on the seafront in an
old building which used to be the home of a prominent family in Çanakkale. There
are regular exhibitions showing works from a variety of branches of the fine
arts, such as painting, printing, ceramics and handicrafts.
Tel : +90.(0)286.217 61 61
GOKCEADA ISLAND
This is the largest of the Turkish islands, indented with
bays and its hills are dotted with whitewashed houses set in the contrasting
greens of pine and olive trees. Ferryboats make regular trips from Kabatepe and
Çanakkale. Colourful local fairs are held in August and around the island sacred
fountains and monasteries are to be found.
KESTANBOL THERMAL SPRINGS
The Kestanbol Thermal springs are about 55 km from Çanakkale.
The waters are reputed to be helpful in curing problems related to rheumatism,
skin diseases, circulatory disorders, heart and nervous disorders, metabolism
imbalances and bone diseases.
Tel : +90.(0)286.637 52 23 and +90.(0)286.637 52 00
KILITBAHIR CASTLE
The name Kilitbahir can be translated as 'lock to the sea'. The castle was built
by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 to control the straits and secure
Istanbul. In later years, the castle was extended, with towers and gun
placements being added. In 1551, Sultan Suleyman repaired the castle, which has
a seven-storey keep in the form of a clover leaf in its centre.
SIGEON
Sigeon lies about 34 km away from Canakkale. It is in Yenikoy but the site is
still unexcavated. In the classical era Pisistratos and his son settled in
this region.
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