Çandarlı Castle
Built in the 13th or 14th century, this is one of the best-preserved castles in Türkiye. It is on the provisional list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
View on map9 places to visit in the Dikili district of Izmir: Çandarlı Castle, Dikili Thermal Springs and Atarneus Ancient City. Plan your trip to Dikili with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Dikili is a district in the north-west of İzmir province, lying 8 metres above sea level. Bergama district lies to its east, Balıkesir province to its north, and the Aegean Sea to its west and south.
History
Archaeological studies have shown that Dikili has a past reaching back to 5000–4000 BC. In Antiquity, the city in the area inhabited by the Achaeans was known as Aternagus. The district took the name ‘Dikmelik’ after the Karaosmanoğulları established farms and grew saplings in the region, and was later named ‘Dikili’. On 13 October 1928, it separated from Bergama and gained district status.
Geography
Crater lakes and caves at Merdivenli and Denizköy are among the district’s natural riches. Dikili Beach is 20 km long, and Çandarlı Beach is 22 km long.
Ancient Ruins
Aterneus Ancient City is older than Pergamon, and is known to date back to the Bronze Age. The oldest material found at Dikili Aterneus Castle, which was built over an area of 14 hectares, dates to 1200 BC. Pitane (Çandarlı) is an Aeolian city, and its castle, built in the 13th or 14th century, is one of the best-preserved castles in Türkiye.
History and Culture
According to archaeological findings, the Achaeans lived in the region and the city was called Aternagus. Dikili became a district on 13 October 1928 after separating from Bergama. Dikili was under Greek occupation between 1919 and 1922.
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