Kemere Bridge

At a glance

• Period: Roman; thought to have been built under Claudius (1st century AD)
• Structure: Single-span stone bridge with a round arch; 26.69 m long, 5.89 m wide
• Connects: Sormagir district and Boztepe-Zindan district
• Latest restoration: 2016
• Admission: Free, open for crossing at any hour

A Roman bridge still in use today

Kemere Bridge connects the Sormagir and Boztepe-Zindan districts of Amasra. This single-span, round-arched stone bridge dates from the Roman period and is still in use today.

Unlike many of Amasra’s historic structures, Kemere is not a “ruin”: people still cross the bridge, built about two thousand years ago, every day.

History

The bridge is thought to have been built during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius (1st century AD); cut stone and large blocks of rock were used in its construction. It was repaired in the Byzantine period, in the 8th and 9th centuries. In the 9th century the Byzantines reinforced the bridge to link Sormagir Castle on Boztepe with Zindan Castle in Amasra.

There is a faint relief on the bridge’s pier, thought to show seven soldiers fighting with spears in the Roman-Pontic wars. The ground beneath the bridge was once covered with pebbles, and boats and rowing boats were maintained there.

Repaired more recently in 2013–2014, the bridge was then at risk of collapse because of water currents, and in 2016 it was restored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and reinforced against landslides.

Photography angle

Kemere Bridge is one of Amasra’s most photographed spots. In particular, early in the morning, the view from under the bridge looking towards the Small Harbour (Küçük Liman) — at the moment the water reflects the bridge arch — offers a remarkable composition. At sunset, the view from the north side of the bridge out towards the Black Sea is breathtaking.

Distances

• Amasra Museum: 3 minutes on foot
• Amasra Castle: 7 minutes on foot
• Small Harbour restaurants: 5 minutes on foot

Large Harbour Beach is also within walking distance of the bridge.