Troy - Worth It?
 

Compared to Ephesus, Troy is quite dull. Some say that it loses something without Brad Pitt running around, others see this as an improvement on the representation. Either way Troy is no stunner - the drawcard is its sheer history. Apart from a hokey replica of the Trojan horse, there's little to catch the amateur eye. That said, this is the site of one of the world's grandest tales, so soaking up the atmosphere should be just about enough.

The above is the description of Troy from Lonely Planet. True??

If you are into archeology or wish to see what is supposedly the site of Helen of Troy, Trojan Horse, etc., it's worthwhile. When Schliemann excavated this hill (it's miles from the sea today), he dug huge trenches, almost as if he had used a giant bulldozer. This exposed layer upon layer of previous Troys -- seven in all, if I recall correctly. You can walk all over the site, even down into these trenches. Otherwise, there's not much there except to have your photo taken next or within the "hokey wooden horse." Ephesus, on the other hand, is marvelous for wandering, seeing how much of the city must have looked, taking in the huge amphitheater, and of course the Library of Celsus. You might want to take in the house supposedly occupied by Christ's mother, Mary, up on a nearby mountain.

Troy was totally confusing to me. The Brad Pitt Troy is like Troy 4 or 5 or something and they keep showing you ruins from all 7 Troys....I never got it straight.

Ephesus on the other hand is a miracle. Fascinating and easy to comprehend and great fun. Get a good guide and just relax and enjoy it.

As primitive in comparison to Ephesus as Truva is I was still thrilled to be there, knowing its history. But if you're looking for something spectacular such as Ephesus, the site of Homer's Troy will pale by comparison.

Do a bit of reading prior to attending then close your eyes and it is a marvellous place. Open your eyes and its a messy quarry ! I have been but I can't wholeheartedly recommend it ! We saw it after a day at Gallipoli so I guess we were not really receptive ! The kids enjoyed the Hokey Horse and even these tired old legs climbed up into its bowels.

These are the opinions of my friends/family who have been to Troy:

You have to REALLY use your imagination to visualize anything.
It's missable.
It's just layers of rubble.

Let's just say NOBODY encouraged me to go out of my way to visit it. I'm going to Pergamum and Afrodisias instead :)