A city that sank underwater: the mystery of the sunken Simena (17 photos)

The ancient Lycian city of Simena, often referred to as Kekova-Simena, was once located on the long, narrow island of Kekova in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of modern-day Turkey.





In those distant times, Simena was a tiny fishing village, and later became an outpost of the Knights of Rhodes.



Part of the city remains on the mainland, where today lies the picturesque fishing village of Kaleköy. A blend of ancient, medieval, and modern history makes Kaleköy one of the most visited places in Turkey. Be sure to see the well-preserved castle built by the Knights of Rhodes and the Lycian necropolis, perched above the sea and surrounded by centuries-old olive trees.





Across the bay, on Kekova Island, lies the other half of Simena. This part of the city today lies at the bottom, half-submerged. The land sank when a terrible earthquake shook Turkey in the second century. Half of the houses, now in ruins, sank, along with staircases leading directly into the sea. Some building foundations and the ancient harbor are completely submerged.



In 1990, the Turkish government declared the entire Kekova region a specially protected area, banning diving and swimming. In subsequent years, the ban was partially lifted, but the waters directly above the sunken city remain closed to all water activities.



Today, tourists can admire the ruins from boats or sea kayaking, slowly gliding over ancient walls and steps descending into the sea. The village of Kaleköy itself remains one of the few settlements in Turkey accessible only by sea.