Kuşkayası Road Monument (On Bartın-Amasra Antique Road)

A Brief Look at the Bird Rock Road Monument

• Location: It is located approximately 4 kilometers along the old road before reaching Amasra.
• Historical Period: Roman Empire (period AD 41-54).
• Aim: It was designed as a resting and hydrating point for Roman soldiers.
• Feature: There are human and eagle figures carved into the rock, as well as two separate inscriptions.

Note: Although today the new tunnel road construction has divided part of this old road, Amasra Travel minibuses You can easily reach the monument by car or by your private vehicle.

Historical and Architectural Details

Roman Emperor and Commanders

This monument was built by the Roman Emperor Tiberius Claudius Germanicus During the period (41-54 AD), Gaius Julius Aquilla It is thought to have been built by a commander named Aquilla. He served as the Commander of the Eastern Provinces Construction Army and was later appointed Governor of Bithynia-Pontus.

Figures Carved on Rocks

Human Figure (Sculpture):

• • Dimension: Normal human sized.
  • Situation: His head and legs are broken.
  • ID: It is not known whether it belonged to Emperor Claudius or commander Aquilla.
  • Location: It stands in an arched niche measuring 260×140 cm and 50 cm deep.

Eagle Figure:

• • Strength of Roman Legions: The eagle symbolizes the “unlimited power” of the Roman legions.
  • Size and Position: It is the size of a human being and its head is severed. It is carved into a column base that is 200 cm high and 55 cm in diameter.

Inscriptions (Inscriptions)

There are two different inscriptions on the Kuşkayası Road Monument:

• First: On the slab above the arched niche of the human figure.
• Latter: Away from the reliefs, towards the west.
  These inscriptions are complementary texts and provide important clues about the political and military structure of the period.

Water and Rest Point

It is estimated that there was a monumental fountain adjacent to the monument, but it was destroyed over time and the water source was used as a spring for a long time in the area known as "Askersuyu". There are also various elements along the road such as rock niches and seating couches intended for rest.

How to Get There?

• Special Vehicle:
  By choosing the old road instead of the new tunnel road between Bartın and Amasra, you can see the signs for Kuşkayası Road Monument after approximately 4 km.
• Minibus / Dolmus:
  You can also reach a point close to the monument with Amasra Seyahat minibuses and visit it with a short walk. However, it would be useful to check the departure times in advance.

Visiting Tips

• Visiting Time: To avoid the midday heat, you can choose morning or evening hours.
• Hiking / Nature: It can be a pleasant route for those who want to go hiking from Amasra. However, keep in mind that due to the construction of the new tunnel road, there is no longer a complete route as before.
• Photo Shoot: The reliefs and niches carved into the rocks are quite interesting for photography enthusiasts. You can capture the details of the reliefs by using a wide-angle lens.
• Historic Preservation: Please pay attention to directions and warning signs as restoration or conservation work may continue in the area.

Kuskayasi Road Monument Photos

Final Word

Kuskayasi Road Monument, is one of the most striking works of the Roman heritage hidden near Amasra. The eagle figure carved into the rocks, statues and two separate inscriptions attract both history enthusiasts and nature lovers. If you want to make a cultural discovery around Bartın and Amasra, listen to the lost stories of Kuşkayası and follow the traces of the Roman legions!