About
🏰 Çandarlı – İzmir
Where History Meets the Aegean Sea
Located on the northern coast of İzmir, along the İzmir–Bergama highway, Çandarlı is one of the region’s oldest settlements. This charming coastal town is a hidden gem that combines rich historical heritage with the serene beauty of the Aegean Sea — an ideal destination for both history lovers and beach seekers.
🏰 Çandarlı Castle: A Fortress Through the Ages
The most iconic structure in Çandarlı is undoubtedly the Çandarlı Castle, originally built by the Genoese knights. It stands today as one of the best-preserved castles in Türkiye. Some of the stones used in its construction date back to the Hellenistic period, giving the castle a truly layered historical identity.
🔹 In the 13th–14th centuries, the famous Ottoman Grand Vizier Çandarlı Halil Pasha restored the old Genoese fortress of the ancient city Pitane.
🔹 He reinforced the walls with stone blocks and support buttresses to withstand newly developed cannon fire, turning it into a solid and secure fortress.
🔹 Over time, the town came to be known as Çandarlı, replacing its former name Pitane — making Halil Pasha the "godfather" of its name.
🔹 Today, the castle stands proudly with its five towers, arrow slits, main gate, and sturdy stone walls.
🌊 A Peaceful Coastal Retreat
Çandarlı offers more than just history. It’s a peaceful town with
