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Semena Castle, Kekova Island - Byzantine period - 11th century
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| The ethereal region known as Kekova, set against the cerulean waters of the Mediterranean is located just off the coast of Myra/Demre. Dotted with inhabited islands that sustain small, picturesque fishing villages, it is a most beautiful sight by boat. Here, history and nature become inseparable. The ancient city of Semena dates back to the fourth century BCE and was part of the Lycian Federation. However, the Knights of St. John constructed the castle during the eleventh century CE, the Byzantine period. Inside the castle is a small, natural rock theater, the smallest of theaters among the cities of Lycia. Surrounding the castle here and there are ancient Lycian tombs and the ruins of Roman public baths, a gift to the emperor Titus made by the people of this ancient community. |
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