Simena, Archaeological site in Kaleköy, Turkey
Simena is an ancient site set on a rocky hillside along the Lycian coast of Turkey, accessible only by boat to the village of Kaleköy. The hill holds ruins from Lycian and Roman times, along with a medieval castle at its summit overlooking the sea and the surrounding islands.
The site was founded as a Lycian settlement in the 4th century BC and later absorbed into the Roman world, with new structures built alongside older ones. In the medieval period, the Knights of Rhodes fortified the hilltop and turned it into a castle.
The small rock-cut Roman theater is one of the tiniest of its kind in Turkey, with seating for only a few dozen people. From its stone steps, visitors look directly out over the sea, making the setting unlike almost any other ancient theater.
The only way to reach the site is by boat from Kaş or Demre, as no road connects to the area. The terrain is uneven and steep in places, so solid footwear and enough water for the walk are worth bringing.
Part of the ancient town now lies underwater because the coastline gradually sank after a series of earthquakes. From a boat, visitors can see the submerged stone blocks just beneath the surface, giving a rare view of a half-sunken ancient settlement.
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