Ancient City of Simena
Ancient City of Simena in Kemer, Turkey
The ancient city of Simena is located on Kekova Bay, in the area of the village of Kalekoy, not far from Tekirova and the coast of Kemer. It is one of the small Lycian settlements known since the classical era. Thanks to its sheltered bay, the city was connected to the maritime routes of the southern coast of Asia Minor and for a long time retained its importance as a convenient harbor.
The history of Simena is clearly visible in the landscape itself. After strong earthquakes, part of the ancient buildings was damaged, and a section of the shore sank under water. Therefore, traces of the settlement have been preserved on several levels at once: on the slope, by the water's edge, and beneath the surface of the sea. It is this combination of land and submerged ruins that makes the place especially interesting to explore.
The most prominent monument here is a medieval fortress built on the site of earlier fortifications. Within its walls there is a small ancient theater carved into the rock, which is relatively rare for such small coastal towns. Around it, Lycian sarcophagi, rock-cut tombs, and fragments of residential and public buildings have also been preserved.
Simena is of interest to those who want to see not a single monument, but an entire historical layer against the backdrop of Kekova Bay. People come here for the fortress, the ancient tombs, the views of the bay, and the opportunity to observe the remains of the ancient city by the water. The site is usually included in boat trips around Kekova or visited as part of a route along the coast between Kas and Kemer.
Ancient City of Simena on the map
Ancient City of Simena and the Ruins on Kekova Bay
Here, a fortress, a theater, sarcophagi, and submerged remains of the city come together.
Fortress above the bay, a theater within the walls, and a sarcophagus by the water
During a walk through Kalekoy, visitors climb up to the fortress, from where there are views of Kekova Bay, the islands, and sections of the ancient shoreline. Inside the fortifications, you can see a small stone theater from antiquity, designed for about 150 spectators. Lower down the slope and along the shore, there are fragments of walls, foundations of structures, and individual details of the urban layout.
One of the most famous features of Simena is its Lycian funerary monuments. Sarcophagi and rock-cut tombs have been preserved here, including a sarcophagus standing right by the water and partially surrounded by the sea. At the water's edge, the remains of ancient buildings can be distinguished, and in clear weather, underwater fragments of the ancient settlement can be seen from a boat.
The site is convenient for a calm walking visit and as part of a boat route through the bays of Kekova. Swimming and passage over some sections of the submerged ruins may be restricted by monument protection rules, so it is better to check the conditions on site. Nearby are Kekova Island, the ancient city of Aperlai, and the fortress in Ucagiz, which are often visited on the same trip.
It is usually reached by sea from Ucagiz or as part of a boat excursion around Kekova; overland access is limited, and part of the route often goes on foot through the village. Therefore, it is worth choosing comfortable footwear for the visit and keeping in mind that the tour involves climbing along rocky paths.
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