Pitane Çandarlı a Travel Guide
Pitane
Pitane, aka Pedasus or Pedasa, is an ancient Greek city located in the Çandarlı district of Izmir province in western Turkey. It is on the coast of the Aegean Sea and was an important trading center during the Hellenistic period. Today, the ruins of Pitane are an interesting and well-preserved site that attracts many visitors.
History of Pitane
Pitane was founded in the 7th century BC by Greek colonists from the island of Lesbos. The city was strategically located on a natural harbor and quickly became an important center for maritime trade in the region. During the Hellenistic period, Pitane was part of the Pergamene Kingdom and continued to thrive as a trading hub.
The city was also known for its wine production, and some of the ancient wine presses can still be seen in the ruins today. In the Roman period, Pitane became an important military base and a center for the Roman navy. The city continued to flourish until the 7th century AD when it was destroyed by Arab raids.
Ruins of Pitane
Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of Pitane, which include the city walls, the agora (marketplace), the theater, the gymnasium, and the temple of Athena. The theater, which could seat up to 4,000 people, is particularly impressive with its steep seating area and well-preserved stage. The agora was the center of the city’s commercial and social life and features the remains of shops, baths, and a large cistern.
The gymnasium, which was used for athletic training and education, includes a large courtyard and a series of rooms and halls. The temple of Athena, located on the acropolis, was one of the city’s most important religious sites and features the remains of a large altar and several columns.
How do I get to Pitane in Candarli?
- Pitane is located approximately 70 km north of Izmir and can be reached by car or public transportation. The closest airport is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, and from there, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach Pitane.
What are the opening hours of the Pitane ruins?
- The ruins of Pitane are open to visitors every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. However, it’s always a good idea to check the opening hours before your visit, especially during holidays or special events.
Is there an admission fee to enter the Pitane ruins in Candarli?
- Yes, there is a small admission fee to enter the Pitane ruins. The fee is usually around approximately $1.50-$3.00 USD per person.
Can I take a guided tour of the Pitane ruins?
- Yes, there are several tour companies and travel agencies that offer guided tours of the Pitane ruins. This can be a great option if you want to learn more about the history and significance of the site.
How to Get to Pitane in Çandarlı?
Pitane is located in the town of Çandarlı in the Dikili district of İzmir, Turkey. If you’re traveling by car, you can take the İzmir-Aydın highway and follow the signs to Dikili. Once you reach Dikili, follow the signs to Çandarlı. Pitane is located in the center of Çandarlı, so you can easily reach it by car. Here is the google maps link of the landmark.
If you prefer to travel by public transportation, you can take a bus from İzmir to Dikili and then take a local bus or a taxi to Çandarlı. Buses from İzmir to Dikili depart regularly from the İzmir Bus Station (Otogar) and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. From Dikili, you can take a local minibus or taxi to Çandarlı. Once you reach Çandarlı, Pitane is located in the center of the town and can be easily reached on foot.
