Conana Harabesi, Isparta'nın Gönen ilçesindeki Kaletepe'de yer alan, Erken Helenistik dönemden Bizans'a uzanan Pisidia yerleşimidir; tümülüs mezarları, sur kalıntıları ve zirvedeki sarnıç yapısı barındırır ve giriş ücretsizdir.
Conana is a Pisidian settlement mentioned as Konane in ancient sources, taking the name Conana during the Roman period. The core of the city is Kaletepe, at an altitude of 1,656 meters. Here, city walls, traces of civil structures, and street systems are still discernible. The settlement was used from the Early Hellenistic period, expanding to the southeastern slopes during Roman times and to the west during the Byzantine period.
Southeast of Kaletepe, there is a necropolis on both sides of the city's entrance road: tumulus tombs with diameters ranging from 5-9 meters, surrounded by neatly cut stones. Some have an entrance corridor called a dromos, while others feature large rectangular block stones extending in an east-west direction. Fragments of everyday pottery dating to the Late Hellenistic-Early Roman period have been found on the tombs. Some have been excavated by illegal diggers.
While climbing to the summit of Kaletepe from the area called Mancarlı Sırtı, square-plan building foundations, whose function has not been fully deciphered, can be observed. At the summit, there is a cistern and remains of different types of spaces; based on this, it is thought that a small castle structure was located here. The site has no signs, ticket office, or organized walking trails. It is a quiet archaeological area to discover on your own.
Guide's Note
What is the Ancient City of Conana?
The settlement, known as Konane in ancient sources, took the name Conana during the Roman period. It was established in the northwestern Pisidia region, at a strategic point where a fertile plain intersected with important road junctions. Traces of the city can be followed from the Early Hellenistic period to the Byzantine period. The settlement shifted slightly in each period, expanding to the southeast in Roman times and to the west in Byzantine times.
How to Get to Conana Ruins?
From Isparta center, it takes approximately 40-50 minutes by private car to Gönen district. From Gönen center, you walk up to the Kaletepe slope, over Mancarlı Sırtı where the tumulus tombs are located; the distance is about 2-3 km from the district center. If you're going by public transport, you can use minibus services from Isparta to Gönen, and then complete the walk from the district. Road signage is poor, so using a map app or asking a local will make it easier.
Best Time to Visit
Since the climb is in open and shadeless terrain, avoid midday hours in summer. The walk is more comfortable in spring when the plain is green and in autumn when the weather cools down. In winter months, the path can be muddy, so be careful on slippery surfaces.
Must-See Sights
The tumulus tombs in the necropolis area are the most striking part. Surrounded by neatly cut stones, these tombs, ranging from 5 to 9 meters in diameter, some have a dromos entrance. While climbing to the summit, the square-plan building foundations and the cistern at the top are thought to be traces of a small castle structure. The view of the plain from Kaletepe is also a detail that makes the walk worthwhile.
Things to Know Before Visiting
The area is not an organized archaeological site; there is no ticket office, signs, or guard. Due to illegal excavations, the center of some tombs has been hollowed out, so approach the edges carefully. Cell phone reception may be weak, if you are going alone, inform someone of your route beforehand.
How Much Time to Allocate?
1-2 hours is sufficient, including exploring the necropolis and the summit. If you plan to see other Pisidian cities in the region (Anaboura, Antiokheia), it makes sense to dedicate a day to the Gönen area.
Combine with Other Ancient Cities Nearby
Gönen and its surroundings are home to lesser-known ancient cities of the Pisidia region. On the day you visit Conana, you can also include the Anaboura Ruins in your itinerary and take a break on the shore of Lake Eğirdir on your way back to Isparta center.
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