The flooded city of Kekova. The uninhabited island of Kekova is an ancient sunken city in Turkey. Kekova Island on the map of Turkey
Hi all!
If you are vacationing in the vicinity of Kemer, I advise you to definitely visit one of the most interesting and intense excursions Demre-Mira-Kekova. The name of the excursion itself does not mean anything at first, but after visiting these places, each of these words will be associated in your memory with indescribable emotions from what you saw.
The Demre-Mira-Kekova excursion is offered both by tour operators at the hotel and “over the road” - by local travel agencies. You choose who to spend the whole day with. There is a difference in prices - for hotel guides a tour costs $50 per adult, for “street” guides it costs $25. For safety reasons, we bought the tour from hotel guide, but our friends decided on the budget option and were also satisfied.
The excursion lasts the whole day: at about 8 o'clock in the morning a comfortable bus picked us up from the hotel and at about 19 o'clock returned us satisfied. The excursion includes lunch with 1 drink of your choice, it was quite decent, we didn’t leave hungry. You should stock up on water in advance, but this is not a problem - you can buy 2 bottles of water 0.5 for 1 dollar from the bus driver. The price is the best!
All the way we were accompanied by a guide-historian, who told us a lot of interesting information, fueling our interest with jokes and jokes. So there was no need to be bored. And they accompanied us along the way beautiful views: we were driving along a mountain serpentine road near the sea coast. The driver drove the bus carefully, no one was even mentally harmed)))
Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
The first thing we visited was the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (4th century AD). The guide told us the biography of St. Nicholas the Pleasant, how he ended up in these places, is it true that St. Nicholas the Pleasant and Santa Claus are one person, how the temple was built, why the sarcophagus in which the saint was buried is kept here, and his relics are kept in Italy. Here the truth was revealed to us - it turns out that Mira is an ancient city that was buried in mudflows that came down from the mountains, and later the city of Demre was founded at the top, in which people live to this day.
Therefore, the temple is located below the city level and looks like this:
At first glance it is very inconspicuous, but inside the temple you can see the remains of frescoes, giving an idea of its former beauty.
The temple has not yet been restored and is being restored only from elements found on its territory. Restoring historical objects in the image and likeness is prohibited by law in Turkey, which is correct, otherwise who needs props?
Pay attention to this photo. Do you also see the face of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker emerging between the recesses in the wall?
I will not retell the entire excursion, but the facts heard there are actually very interesting. For example, why do the saints in the frescoes have their eye sockets knocked off? What does each fresco mean, what story does it carry?
You can see the sarcophagus of St. Nicholas itself, but you won’t be able to touch it, since it is behind glass. Taking a photo of it is also problematic, since there are a lot of fingerprints on the glass asking and begging for help.
Those who wish here can purchase icons with the face of the saint, brought from Bari (Italy), where his relics are kept, or from Mount Athos (Greece). We had already brought icons from Athos, so we didn’t buy them here.
While we sailed to the island of Kekova, we enjoyed the beautiful marine species, took photos at the stern and bow of the boat.
When we approached the city, all attention was focused on the ruins. Due to a tectonic shift, the city was submerged in water.
And again there was interesting information from the guide. He explained what kind of remains of dwellings we see, where there are broken amphorae at the bottom (which, by the way, were visible through the portholes at the bottom of the boat) and so on.
I’ll leave you with just a few photos, and you’ll learn the rest on the tour:
After another portion amazing facts we went to one of the island’s bays and swam in its clear waters.
Those who wished could taste seafood dishes prepared by the ship's crew.
We return to the port.
Kekova Island is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey. People come here for excursions among ancient ruins and amazing diving. Read more in our review.
Reviews from tourists about the excursion
Positive Negative
Among the advantages of a trip to the island of Kekova, tourists highlight the following points:
- Real ruins of old cities. An ideal place for history buffs;
- Very beautiful nature: bays, cliffs and crystal clear sea;
- If you go with a guide, you can learn many interesting facts.
- The sunken city from a yacht does not look as impressive as it is sometimes said;
- During the high season there are a lot of people, so sometimes the charm disappears;
- If it’s too hot, it can be difficult to enjoy a walk. It is better to stock up on water and sun protection in advance.
On the map of Turkey
Kekova Island is located in the province of Antalya, approximately 120 km from the resort of the same name. Nearest major locality- city of Kas. The area of Kekova is only 4.5 square meters. km. The island is uninhabited. Known for interesting diving and the ruins of ancient cities, much of which is now under water.
Description of the island
The oldest settlement The ancient city of Dolicheste is considered to be on the island. In the 2nd century, as a result of an earthquake, it was destroyed and partially went under water. For a long time the island was under the rule of the Byzantine Empire. In the 13th century, the entire surrounding territory and the island itself fell under the rule of the Ottomans. For many years after the end of the First World War, the island was a disputed territory between Italy and Turkey. Kekova finally became part of the Turkish Republic only in 1932.
In 1990, the island of Kekova itself and the surrounding area, including the ruins of four ancient cities, received the status of a protected area where human economic activity is prohibited. After some time, the ban on swimming and diving was lifted. Currently, tourists have the opportunity to sail around the island by boat, swim and scuba dive in the adjacent waters. Diving is prohibited only in areas located at the bottom of ancient tombs.
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How to get there
There are several ways to get to this place. Nearest international Airport located in Antalya city. The distance from the airport to the island is about 120 km. You can get there by car or public transport to the city of Kas. Then take a ferry from Kas or Kalkan. Water transport runs from to. The cost of a round trip is 80-90 Turkish lira. Travel time is about 1 hour.
The most comfortable way is to travel as part of an organized tour. Excursions are offered in many agencies in Antalya, and others. The trip includes a glass bottom boat ride and swimming or diving around the island. Complex excursions are offered, during which tourists visit, in addition to Kekova, other attractions - the cities of Demre and Mira.
Excursions
Attractions
There are well-preserved ruins in the northern part of Kekova ancient city Dolikhist, founded by the Lycians. After the earthquake it was destroyed and most of it sank under water. The remains of ancient structures can now be seen both on the shore and under water. Many houses were well preserved and completely submerged under water.
There are several other interesting attractions in the Kekova area. Opposite the island on the mainland are the villages of Kalekey and Uchayz.
Kalekey is now a small village. People first settled here almost 7 thousand years ago. The remains of the Lycian city of Simena are located right on the territory of the modern village of Kalekei. On the hill you can see the remains of a Byzantine fortress, which later came under Ottoman control. At the foot of the walls there are ruins of an ancient temple. To the east of the fortification there is a necropolis with characteristic Lycian tombs resembling houses. On the territory of the fortress there is an ancient amphitheater carved into the rock. This is one of the smallest surviving ancient theaters.
The ruins are preserved on the shore and descend directly into the sea. Fragments of houses and other structures are often found on the personal plots of local residents.
In addition to the sunken ruins of ancient Dolikhiste, Uchagyz Koyu Bay is very picturesque. Here tourists explore the remains of Lycian tombs protruding from the water. Nearby is the settlement of Uchayz. Previously, the ancient Teimussa was located here. Lycian burials are well preserved. The ruins are located 800 meters east of the village of Uchayz. It is easy to get to Theimoussa on foot, along the picturesque Lycian path.
To the west of Uchayz are the remains of the Lycian city of Aperlai. It is located near the ancient Turkish port of Syucak. The remains of the fortress walls, ruins of temples, and fragments of columns are well preserved. Not far from the fortification are the ruins of a Byzantine church. The Lycian tombs have survived to this day in good condition. They are decorated with stone carvings and bas-reliefs.
Sunken City
There are no inhabitants and no tourist infrastructure on the island. Kekova is visited only for tourist purposes as part of day excursions. The most interesting entertainment -
Ancient city Demre (Mira) in Turkey amazes the imagination of an unprepared tourist. Indeed, in the generally accepted view, Turkey is a place of lazy relaxation on the beaches under the scorching sun with accommodation in all-inclusive hotels. And many are surprised when they come here and see the juxtaposition of modern buildings with the dilapidated ruins of ancient worlds.
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Location on the map of Turkey
The undoubted center of the ancient history of Turkey is the city of Demre, which is located in the province of Antalya. Wikipedia says that until 2005 it was called Calais, and its population is about 16,000 people.
Now this is a modern place located on the territory of what was once famous city The world, the remains of which are located nearby, or rather, 3 kilometers from here.
The foundation of Myra dates back to the 5th century BC, when this place provided convenient access to the sea along the Miros River. At that time it was the capital of the Lycian kingdom. Thanks to this fact, the city was prosperous and developed. But in the 7th century there was an attack by the Arabs, and then a great flood that cut off the path to the sea. After this, Mira's glorious life came to an end. The only thing that attracted and kept people here was the proximity of the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Now there is almost nothing left here.
Kekova Island
It is important to know: all the ruins that have survived are united by a museum under open air. The most interesting attractions remain the local amphitheater, which still hosts concerts and performances, as well as the Lycian tombs and the remains of the acropolis.
Kekova is a small Turkish island with an area of only 4.5 square kilometers in the Mediterranean Sea, where no one lives permanently.
It is a narrow strip of land, only 7 kilometers long.
These 3 places are united by the very popular route “Demre - Mira - Kekova” among tourists in Turkey, which allows you to get acquainted with the ancient sights of this area. (If you search the Internet for information about the island of Kekova, do not confuse it with the city of Kekava - it is located in Latvia)
Description Myself modern city
Demre is located 5 kilometers from the sea, and a little closer to the sea coast are the remains of the most ancient city - Mira. At that time, the small Lycian kingdom was located here, and the city was its capital for some time.
During this period, the most famous local attractions were built - the necropolis and the amphitheater.
A little later, the territory began to belong to the Roman Empire, and the area became Christian.
The official symbol of the town is Santa Claus or Father Frost - he is present on all signs, posters, etc.
Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Inside, to this day, there is a marble sarcophagus where the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker were kept until 1087.
Later the relics were stolen and taken to Europe. The structure was destroyed many times due to earthquakes, floods, wars, etc. New walls were erected on the site of the ruins. Last time this place was restored in the 19th century with funds allocated by the Russian Empire.
The latest construction gave the church the shape of a basilica, which was originally supposed to be covered with a dome, but this was later replaced with vaults. The central room is decorated with frescoes painted in the 11th-12th centuries. Their remains can still be seen today.
The building itself is now in a dilapidated state, so for the safety of tourists it was surrounded by iron structures. There is nothing else inside. Now the church building serves as a museum, and all its exhibits are falling off frescoes.
Famous landmarks
There is a lot to see in this area, but the main stream of tourists comes here precisely because of the famous Lycian necropolis - “ cities of the dead"and a huge amphitheater.
Lycian Tombs in Turkey
The famous Lycian Tombs are rock-cut tombs. On the territory of Antalya, these are the most ancient burials, dating back to the 6th century BC. Mostly rich people were buried here. famous people, because the construction of a 2-room tomb in rock was not cheap at all.
In total, there are more than 1000 such burials in this territory. All tombs in their shape and structure resemble ordinary houses of that time.
They are often equipped with porticoes, columns, windows and doors. The crypts are decorated with inscriptions carved into stone patterns. With their help, you can determine what the deceased did during his lifetime, who he was related to, etc.
The oldest amphitheater
Very close to the burial site and tombs there is an ancient amphitheater, which is very well preserved. Its size is amazing and second only to .
Its capacity was about 10,000 spectators. It itself is a semicircular structure, which makes it similar to Greco-Roman buildings. 35 rows in the form of a staircase are lined with huge hewn stones. Near the stage itself there are seats for rich and famous guests - they are real stone chairs.
The location of the amphitheater has suffered from floods and earthquakes many times throughout its history. The most severe destruction occurred in the 12th century, when the amphitheater was completely covered by river sediments, which lasted for a long time. But nevertheless, it was cleaned and was able to be restored with the greatest reliability.
The most interesting fact about this place is that the birthplace of the famous Santa Claus is located here in this hot tropical climate. This is where the tradition came from - bringing gifts and gifts for Christmas.
And it all started like this. Many, many centuries ago, poor townspeople began to find sweets and gifts for children under the doors of their shacks every year on Christmas morning.
One day, they decided to find out where it all comes from. Setting up an ambush, they caught the man in the cape. When they saw him, they were very surprised - he turned out to be the well-known and respected Saint Nicholas here.
His name in Latin sounded like Santa Nicolaus. This real person became the prototype of Santa Claus.
Kekova district in Turkey The island itself is unremarkable in terms of its location, but it is impossible to call it ordinary, because in coastal waters
There are as many as 4 sunken ancient cities - Teimousse, Dolihiste, Aperlai and Simena.
Wikipedia about the island of Kekova says, for example, that the ancient flooded city of Dolihiste has been on the seabed since the 2nd century BC, when it went under water during an earthquake.
Some of the ruins are located on the coast. A boat excursion to this island is most valued, since under the water you can see the remains of ancient cities - houses, remains of stone streets and temples.
Due to the historical significance of these places, mass tourism is prohibited here. Organized sea excursions on yachts show a very small part of the sunken cities. You can see something beyond the excursion program by exploring the island on your own. Surprisingly, these places are not very well explored. It is unknown how many secrets and mysteries could be discovered through the study of such accessible ruins of antiquity..
Kekova is a whole area where, in addition to underwater attractions, you can visit the beautiful Burc Bay and swim in the sea. And not far away there is a village called Uchagyz, where streets that are thousands of years old have been preserved, and people still walk along them
A visit to the excursion Demre (Mira) - Kekova will show the familiar Turkish coast from a new side, revealing the ancient history of these places. Memories of this place can be embodied in photographs. But the only drawback of the season is the crowds.
Experienced travelers advise visiting historical sights not during the high season, which lasts from May to October, but during the unpopular winter months. This will allow you to view and study the heritage of the Turkish coast without rushing, as well as take high-quality photographs without crowds of tourists.
Basic moments
Kekova Island is considered historical and natural monument. Travel through it is included in all yacht tours along the Turkish coast. Tourists from different countries the world comes here to admire the beauty of nature and see the ruins of ancient Lycian cities.
Today the island of Kekova is uninhabited and inhabited only by feral goats. There are three settlements on the mainland: Uçagız, Kaleköy and Aperlai. In ancient times, powerful Lycian cities stood on the site of two of them. On the northern part of the island, the ruins of the ancient city of Dolikhiste are preserved. They are found on the shore and in the sea, at shallow depths.
To inspect the ruins they carry out day trips. The journey around the island lasts about an hour. The route runs along the coast – places where ancient ruins have been preserved. Rely on shops or entertainment centers It’s not worth it: they simply aren’t here.
Due to the protected status, overnight stays on Kekova Island are prohibited. Tourists who plan to spend several days exploring the ancient ruins are accommodated in villages on the mainland. They have several good hotels and private guest houses at their disposal. True, hosts are more willing to accommodate travelers without children for the night. Families with children need to make accommodation arrangements in advance.
History of Kekova Island
People have inhabited the island of Kekova from very early times. In the 2nd century AD, the city of Dolikhiste standing here was destroyed strong earthquake. As a result of the natural disaster, city buildings were partially submerged and the island became uninhabited.
At first, Byzantium ruled the island of Kekova. Then it was attacked by the Arabs, and in the 13th century by the Turks. When the territory was captured by the Ottomans, several villages appeared near the island on the mainland. After World War I, Kekova became the subject of a dispute between Turkey and Italy. During this period, people lived here who were engaged in cutting down trees. In 1932, the territory finally ceded to Turkey.
In 1990, the island of Kekova itself and the large area of water around it were declared a closed, protected zone. The sites that border the villages of Uçagız and Kaleköy, as well as the four ancient cities of Dolihiste, Aperlai, Simenu and Teimussu, were initially completely closed to diving and visiting, but the ban was later partially lifted.
Surprisingly, no large-scale underwater archaeological research has been carried out near the island. Only the team of Jacques-Yves Cousteau managed to find the remains of an ancient ship off the island of Kekova, which sailed along the coast back in 1300 BC.
Attractions
Most tourists come to the island as part of excursion groups. The popular tour “Demre - Mira - Kekova” is sold in all excursion agencies located on the Anatolian coast of Turkey. During the 10-hour journey, tourists visit the church and tomb of St. Nicholas, ancient ruins Worlds and take a boat trip to the island of Kekova.
The excursion program includes getting to know the history of these places, visiting ancient ruins, snorkeling and diving. The sea water here is very clear, so you can clearly see the bottom, schools of colorful fish and other inhabitants Mediterranean Sea. Experienced divers are offered special programs for underwater excursions and hunting.
In order to admire the flooded ruins of an ancient settlement, it is not necessary to wear scuba gear. Most travelers explore the sights of Kekova Island from boats that have a transparent bottom. At a depth of up to 6 meters, remains of stone columns, cobbled streets, marble staircases, port shipyards, several amphorae and fragments of majestic statues are visible. All of them have been under water since the famous earthquake.
It should be borne in mind that all this beauty can only be seen in a calm, when the sea is calm, and the glass-bottomed boat must move slowly. From ordinary boats that make waves, it is almost impossible to see ancient ruins in the water.
Many tourists come to the island on yachts and limit themselves to walking around Kekova. On the spot former city ruins of houses and public buildings have been preserved. Here you can see Lycian tombs with roofs, the foundations of an early Christian church and a stone staircase leading to the sea. They make a strong impression on travelers who find themselves near ancient ruins for the first time. To prevent guests of the island from taking away pieces of the ruins as “mementoes,” enterprising locals lay out fragments of stones and clay shards on the shore especially for tourists.
How to get there
The nearest airport where planes fly from Russia is in Antalya. It is about 120 kilometers from the island of Kekova. Tourists travel from Antalya to Kas by regular buses. A ferry runs from the city pier to Kekova Island. It runs from May to October. The journey to the island takes an hour and the fare is 35 Turkish lira for a round trip.
Some travelers prefer to rent a boat in coastal villages and sail to Kekova with a guide. Traveling by boat is more interesting than traveling on a ferry filled with tourists, and does not cost much more.
The island of Kekova in Turkey is deservedly called the “pearl of the Mediterranean”. It is small - only 4.5 square meters. km, but there are always a lot of tourists here. This island is included in all yachting routes in Turkey; there is excellent diving here, and one of the most popular activities is glass-bottom boat trips.
In fact, the island belongs to Turkey, but numerous archaeological finds they tell us that this is Greece after all. On this small piece of land there are ruins of four ancient cities - Dolikhiste, Aperlai, Teimoussa and Simena.
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How to get there
Uchayz
Uchayz - also known as Teimussa ("Three Mouths") - is a small village, the same age as Simena. It was built on the ruins of an ancient city. The sarcophagi of the Lycian period are perfectly preserved. They can be viewed completely free of charge by walking about 800 meters from the village of Uchayz to the east along the Lycian trail.
In the coastal waters of the island there are ruins of the ancient cities of Aperlai, Simena, Kekova and Teimoussa, which sank as a result of an earthquake, underwater caves and protected bays.
Aperlai
Aperlai is another Lycian city, now in ruins, located west of Uçaız near the port of Sicak, formerly one of Turkey's largest ports on the Gulf of Kas. Today, only the ancient ruins of the once powerful fortress of Aperlai have survived - ancient sarcophagi, remains of city walls, a fortress and ancient columns. In the north-west of the fortress, the ruins of a Byzantine church are noteworthy. Three square watchtowers rise above the northern city walls. Inside the fortress there are ruins of a small Byzantine chapel. The necropolis of the city is interesting for its Lycian sarcophagi, decorated with bas-reliefs and inscriptions. Uchayz, Kekova
Diving in Kekova
In the coastal waters of the island there are ruins of the ancient cities of Aperlai, Simena, Kekova and Teimoussa, which sank as a result of an earthquake, underwater caves and protected bays. Coastline The island of Kekova is dotted with antique objects - here at a depth of 5-6 m you can see marble columns, statues, stone stairs, sidewalks, walls of houses, an embankment and the remains of an ancient port, and in some places the lids of Lycian sarcophagi rise above the surface of the sea.
There are several dive sites near the island, among which one can highlight the site with the 72-meter-long Iberian Coast ship that sank in 2003.
The Wall dive site is located 40 minutes from the pier on the south side of the island. Here, stingrays live on the sandy seabed, barracudas, moray eels, crabs, ruffes, groupers are found, and you can also see antique amphorae. Another Antrum site is notable for its cliff and cave, the bottom of which is formed by interesting rock formations, soft and hard corals.
On the northern side of the island of Kekova lie the ruins of the ancient city of Dolikhiste, destroyed by an earthquake, partially submerged under water.
Blue Cave website or " Blue Cave"gets its name from the blue color that fills the cave, which branches into many rooms and passages. The Lighthouse site is located 25 minutes from the island of Kekova and is notable for its numerous amphorae and anchors, and among sea creatures Eels, parrot fish, and stingrays live here.
The seabed of the Curve port site, located on the southern side of Kekova Island (about 40 minutes from the pier), is decorated with a beautiful reef. And the site The Bay, located on the southern side of Kekova Island (about 30 minutes sailing from the pier), is famous for its rock formations and diversity sea life. Crabs, lobsters, moray eels and octopuses live here.