SIMENA (KALEKOY)

SIMENA (KALEKOY)

The ancient Simena, which is now called Kaleköy, is a small Lycian coastal city. It is characteristic of being a strategically pointed spot from the 4th to the 5th day. The remains that reflect this feature most vividly are the surviving fortress which is one of the rare places where Turkey can only be reached from the sea, from which it is possible to observe the most spectacular views of Kekova and its surroundings. The ancient city of Simena, located in the Kekova Special Environmental Protection Mania, covering 260 km2, has been established as a 1st Degree archaeological site in order to protect natural, cultural and geographical values ​​on the coast of Kekova island and surrounding area. Kekova, giving the name of the festival, is the closest place to the shore, just opposite to Simena, 500 m. Which is 7.4 km. It is the general name of the region which includes the island of the longitude as well as Simena Jeimiussa (Uçagız), Aperlai (Hot) pier, Akvaryum Bay, Gökkaya Bay. The northern coast overlooking the island of Simena is 4-5 m. Half of it is full of traces of civility embedded in the water, partially in the earthquakes in antiquity, such as stone stairs, house stays, scaffold residues, etc., Simena is located on the peninsula opposite Kekova Island.

Known as the port city of Teimiussa in antiquity, the first entrance to the Kekova region by land, Uçagız was the most reliable corner beside neighboring Simena, protecting mariners against the most violent waves of the Mediterranean. Between Kaleköy and Uçağız, it is possible to observe the remains of roads and docks that have been under water, especially among the small islands used as sarcophagi for sarcophagi. Although the name of the ancient city of Simena was first recognized by Pilinius (M.S.1.y.y.), The inscription written in Lycia and the silver coin found in Aperlai, It is descending to the 4th century. The city was a member of a federation under the leadership of Aperlai, including Apollonia and Isinda. It was represented by the city of Aperlai in the Lycian Union. It is understood that after joining the Roman Empire, Simena survived as an independent city.
The first structure that strikes the shore when approaching the shore is the building remains of the Roman bath complex, written in the book "Aperlai people and parliament, and other towns of the union have been a gift to the emperor Titus"

Two sarcophagi are noteworthy, while a steep footpath from the shore and locally reached Kalay by the help of ancient steps. One has a little exedraya, the other has a book about Mentor's son İdargus. It is one of the important remnants of Simena with a seating capacity of 300 people, built by carving into the natural rock, which is the first thing that strikes when you reach Kaley. The water cisterns are among rock tombs and other remains of the temple, followed by the church and the remains of the religious building used as the last mosque. Lycian sarcophagi, breakwater and building remains in the water on the shore can be seen easily in stagnant weather. To the north of the castle lies a large necropolis of sarcophagi and rock tombs. The inscription in the Lycian language is striking in one of the home type tombs.