Kuş Kayası Road Monument

Anatolia’s Only Roman Road Monument

On the Amasra–Bartın road, with just 4 kilometres left to Amasra, a monument carved into the rock stands at the roadside: Kuş Kayası Road Monument. This structure is the only road monument known in Anatolia, a quality that makes it a uniquely rare archaeological find on a world scale.

Components of the Monument

The monument carved into the rock face consists of three main elements:

• Royal statue: A figure most likely depicting the Roman Emperor
• Two inscriptions: Latin and Greek texts explaining to whom the monument is dedicated and why
• Eagle figure: The symbol of the Roman Empire; the element that underscores the monument’s commemorative character

The monument was commissioned by the Roman Emperor for the then Governor of Bithynia (governor of the Bithynia-Pontus region). This reveals how important a centre Amasra was administratively in the Roman period.

Why a Road Monument?

The erection of monuments along important roads in honour of rulers, emperors or gods was a widespread Roman practice. However, such monuments were found in Anatolia’s interior or in major cities. The road monument near Amasra documents both the importance of the port of Amastris in Black Sea trade and the strategic position of this road on the route extending to the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire.

Visiting

On the Bartın–Amasra road, visible with a brief stop by car. As it lies on the same route as Kemerdere Bridge, both sites can be visited together.

Free admission; parking available at the roadside.