The ancient city of Pitane, which is one of the 12 Aiol cities mentioned by Homer in the northernmost part of Aiolis, has taken its place in the pages of history. According to the researches, the city was established before the Aiol migration. In some mythological sources it is stated that the city founded the city in the name of Pitane, one of the commanders of Myrina Queen of the Amazon. It is believed that the city lived its bright ages mainly during the Roman period. During this period, the city gained public structures such as stadiums and theaters.
Although the excavations and researches started at the beginning of the 20th century, many statues and similar historical artifacts were found, unfortunately, there is no structure other than the Castle that survived from the city. Although the ruins of the city walls can be seen at the tip of the peninsula, the ruins of the harbor, theater and stadium have not survived to the present day.
There are two ports in the city. The west port was surrounded by a breakwater under the sea. It was found that the mole was extended to an island close to the shore and ended with a tower at this point. There are no remains of the second port that should be in the east.
To the east of the peninsula is the location of the cave and to the south of the peninsula is the location of the stadium. It is understood that the foundations of the medieval fortress, which is called Genoese Castle today, are based on ancient building foundations. Furthermore, the fortress walls were built with reused stones from the Early Age structures. The castle, which is different from its original structure, was built by Andreola Domanica Cattaneo, who is also the founder of Yeni Foça and the owner of screed mines in the region, in the 13th century for the safety of Çandarlı and the Gulf.
The castle was repaired in 15th century by the Ottoman Grand Vizier Çandarlı Halil Paşa. Today, the castle, which is on the UNESCO list of Temporary World Heritage Sites, was completed in 2013 and restored to tourism. You can find yourself in a medieval atmosphere when you enter this castle which can be visited free of charge on Fridays, C.tesi and Sundays between 14:00 and 17:30 and you can enjoy the magnificent view of Çandarlı from its towers.
Although it is not possible to excavate since there are new buildings on the Island Peninsula where the ancient Pitane City is located.
