Kekova Island |
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Kekova is the biggest island of Turkey on the Mediterrenean coast.
It dates back to the 5th century BC, when Lycia was an important kingdom in this region.
The ancient city of Simena which now lies in Kekova was once of two parts - an island and a coastal part of the mainland.
Across the bay, along the island are the half-submerged ruins of the residential part of Simena, caused by the downward shift of land by the terrible earthquakes of the 2nd century AD.
As you slide over the calm waters, you can see the remains of buildings and walls beneath your boat - staircases to nowhere - which feels very strange.
Foundations of buildings and the ancient harbor are also seen below the sea.
The ancient city of Simena lies on the eastern peninsula of Tristomas Bay. The site of ancient Simena which dates back to the 4th century BC usually has to be reached by boat.
The castle was built on the foundations of an ancient citadel. Part of Simena can be found inside the castle walls alongside the remains of an ancient temple.
Below the fortifications stands a seven-tiered theater with space for more than 300 spectators which shows that the Simena was a rather small city.
To the west is the town and in the water on the shore line underwater) lie the well maintained ruins of the Titus Baths (AD 78-82).
Further west can be found a necropolis which contains mostly Roman sarcophagi in the Lycian style.
More sarcophagi and other ruins are to be seen underwater. |
