About Simena
On the Kekova coast, Simena is a small Lycian harbour settlement with stone houses descending to the water, a hilltop castle and partly submerged ancient remains. The theatre and sarcophagi at Kaleköy form a compact historical landscape beside the sea.
History
Simena's history extends to Classical Lycia. Its small harbour served coastal traffic around Kekova; tombs, baths and houses developed along the shore in Hellenistic and Roman times. Earthquakes and coastal movement submerged some structures. The acropolis castle was remodelled in Byzantine and medieval times, preserving a small theatre within its walls. Continued occupation at Kaleköy intertwines ancient and modern fabric.
Highlights and principal structures
- Simena Castle
- Small rock-cut theatre
- Waterside sarcophagus
- Submerged remains
- Rock-cut tombs
- Ancient harbour and bath
Historical period
Classical–Roman–Byzantine