Kekova: A Sunken History Carved in Stone
In the 4th century BC, a massive earthquake fractured the earth along the Lycian coast, sliding the ancient harbor town of Simena partially beneath the turquoise waves of the Mediterranean. Today, standing at the water’s edge in Kekova, I trace the outline of stone staircases descending directly into the sea, meeting ancient sarcophagi that jut out from the shallows like stone islands. This ruined landscape sets the tone for any traveler interested in the physical layers of human history etched directly into the Lycian geography. Why Kekova Is ideal for Art and History Lovers # When you walk the ruins of Simena or gaze down through the water at the Sunken City, you are interacting with architecture and sculpture created by civilizations that mastered carving living rock. The necropolis features Lycian sarcophagi—monumental tombs shaped like upturned wooden ships, reflecting the maritime culture of the ancient inhabitants. Unlike cities built of temporary wood, these stone monuments survive as enduring sculptures shaped by master masons using simple iron chisels and geometric precision.