Çanakkale Naval Museum is a military museum located within Çimenlik Castle, housing a replica of the Nusret Mine Ship and the S-338 submarine; it exhibits weapons and artifacts from the Çanakkale Naval Battle.
Çanakkale Naval Museum is located in the city center, within Çimenlik Castle. The castle was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1462-1463; Piri Reis also penned Kitab-ı Bahriye here. It was transferred to the Naval Forces Command in 1982 and converted into a museum, gaining 1st Class Military Museum status in 2003.
The highlight of the visit is the open-air exhibition: castle walls, cannons, weapons and uniforms used in the Çanakkale War. A 2011 replica of the Nusret Mine Ship stands in the area; the original ship is exhibited in Mersin. Turkey's first submarine museum, the S-338 Uluçalireis, is also here; if weather conditions permit, it is toured in groups accompanied by soldiers. Visitors describe the submarine tour as the most special part of the experience, but also note the possibility of waiting in line.
The area is large and takes time to explore. The castle, mosque, bastions, two ships, and indoor exhibitions are all together. A frequent warning in comments is that there are very few toilets on campus; the only option is the token-operated toilet at the cafe opposite the ticket booth. There are also complaints that the gift shop is closed on some days; do not set expectations about this before going.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Çanakkale historical places, Çanakkale Troy Museum.
Guide's Note
When to Visit
The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 09:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:00, closed on Mondays. Comments suggest that Wednesdays are less crowded and ticket prices may be more affordable on these days. Choosing morning hours during summer heat will allow you to explore the open-air exhibition more comfortably.
How to Get There
The museum is located in Çanakkale city center, on Çimenlik Street, close to the coastline. It is within walking distance from the pier; it can also be easily accessed while passing through Aynalı Çarşı. For those coming from outside the city, a short taxi or dolmuş ride from the bus station to the center is sufficient.
How Much Time to Allocate
A quick tour is completed in about 2 hours. For those who want to explore in detail, including the castle walls, indoor exhibitions, Nusret Mine Ship, and submarine tour, the duration can extend up to 2.5 hours. Since the area is large, remember to bring water, especially on hot days.
Suggested Itinerary
After entering, it's logical to first visit the castle walls and the cinevision shows in the artillery room. Then, you go up to the Nusret Mine Ship, and if weather conditions permit, join a group for the S-338 submarine tour. Leaving the indoor exhibitions (Çanakkale War weapons and object collection, Fehmi Korkut Uluğ and Mehmet Ali Laga collections) for last provides a calm conclusion after the outdoor crowds.
Things to Pay Attention To
The number of toilets on campus is very limited; the only known option is the token-operated toilet at the cafe opposite the ticket booth, which is far from the castle and ships. Keep this in mind if you plan to stay for a long time. Also, there are complaints that the gift shop is sometimes closed without notice, so consider alternatives if you plan to shop.
Photo Spots
The stone walls and cannons of Çimenlik Castle, the deck of the Nusret Mine Ship, and the exterior view of the submarine are the most photographed spots. The view of the Çanakkale Strait from the castle bastions also gets beautiful light towards noon.
History of the Museum
Çimenlik Castle, known as Kale-i Sultaniye, was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1462-1463 for the defense of the Çanakkale Strait. In 1982, it was transferred to the Naval Forces Command and opened to visitors under the name "Çanakkale Strait Command Museum," and in 2003, it was upgraded to 1st Class Military Museum status, taking its current name. Piri Reis is known to have penned his internationally renowned work Kitab-ı Bahriye in this castle.
FAQ
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