ケコバのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

Open daily from 8am to 8pm. Current (Oct 23) admission fee: 90 TL The castle was built as an outpost for the Knights of Rhodes, partially upon Lycian foundations. The Knights of Rhodes are also known as the Order of St John, the Knights Hospitaller and the Knights of St John. During the middle Ages they were among the most famous military Christian orders in the world. Inside the castle is also what many consider the smallest amphitheater of the ancient world, built after Lycia had been hellenized. Just below the entry to the theater, there is a stone with Greek writings on it.

Simena was a member of the sympolitea led by Aperlai during the Lycian League (along with Apollonia and Isinda). A few rock-cut tombs in classical Lycian style testify to the dynastic period history of the city. The medieval castle on the hill rising behind the harbor was built on top of the dynastic period walls. Traces of dynastic and Hellenistic structures are also visible under the modern period buildings.

The ancient harbour is today submerged underwater. Researchers suspect that this was due to some strong earthquakes that took place in the region, especially in the first millennium, as well as the effect of the rise in sea level over time. Underwater surveys in the sunken harbor identified many structures including a few ship shelters. A

The earlier tombs of the Lycian people were cut into rocks - the sarcophagi came later.

Kaleücagiz which literally means "Castle of the three mouths" indicating the various passages to reach the open sea between the Kekova islands, has a Byzantine-era Castle ruin which reached the water. It got extended several times. The Crypt is still quite distinctive as are some ramparts and castle watchtowers.

This type of sarcophagus is typical of the Lycian culture

The history of Simena dates back to the 4th century BC. BC, with the castle's origins going back to Roman and Byzantine times. It is said to have been built by the Knights of Rhodes to ward off pirates who threatened to invade the area.

There are some sarcophagi here with a view of the castle and the sea.