The history of Çandarlı dates back to 4000 BC. The castle and ancient city took its name from the Amazon Queen Pitane. The renowned philosopher Arcesilaus was born in Çandarlı. According to local legend, the city was ruled by Amazon women warriors, which led to its name - Women's Town or Queen City. Throughout its history, the city was successively occupied by the Hittites, Lydians, Persian Empire, Byzantines, Seljuks, and finally the Ottomans.
The rectangular Çandarlı Castle was constructed in the 13th century by the Genoese. The fortification was extensively rebuilt in the 15th century during the Ottoman period. The castle was built on terraced andesite rock formations, specifically adapted for the structure. It is reinforced with lateral buttresses and presents an impressive appearance with its five towers and crenellations. Restoration works on the castle continue to this day.
An Archaic period statue of a full-sized naked male figure, discovered during excavations, is now displayed at the Bergama Archaeological Museum.