Simena fortress in Kekova island

A fortress on the mountain is one of the main attractions of Kekova, as well as the Lycian necropolis at its foot. Unfortunately, those who travel on large ships within a group of tourists cannot stop there because of the shallow water, but independent travelers who rent small motorboats can fully enjoy this place.

Going ashore at the landing of Kalekei, you at once pay attention to the partially submerged Lycian sarcophagus, which is a symbol of Kekova Island, but even greater discoveries await you at the top, so you should climb the path leading to the castle.

In V century B.C. the ancient Lycian city of Simena was on the site of today village. It was not as large as Dolihiste, which was on the opposite island (at that time it was a peninsula).

Simena fortress, which has survived to the present day, was built in Roman times, on the site of a Lycian fortress. Before the earthquake, Simena was also an important port, so the fortress was necessary for its defense. But after the earthquake, several cities were submerged, while the coastal area was raised, so it got impractical to use the port. In the times of the Byzantine Empire, the port and the fortress were still maintained, and the fortress was even renewed, but then they lost their importance.

Nevertheless, to our days the fortress walls survived in a very good condition.  All the main buildings of the fortress were destroyed either by time or inhabitants who dismantled them for building materials. From the top of the fortress you can have an exceptionally picturesque view of the islands, the sea and the Lycian necropolis at its foot.

The fortress had the smallest theater in Lycia. The theatre could accommodate only 150 spectators, but it is quite unique. The rows of seats are carved right in the mountainside. When in the theatre you can easily imagine spectators sitting on the seats back in V century B.C.