Amasra Turkey Photos
Amasra: A Unique Paradise Where History and Nature Meet
Amasra is a fascinating holiday destination located in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey, offering a combination of history and natural beauty. With beaches along the coastline, historical ruins and spectacular views, Amasra has become an attractive destination for both local and foreign tourists. This small but charming town has managed to preserve its rich history and cultural heritage. Amasra stands out, especially for its fish restaurants, beautiful bays and historical buildings.
Where is Amasra / How to get there
Amasra is a coastal town in the province of Bartın in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey. Surrounded by the unique beauties of the Black Sea, Amasra is located about 14 kilometers west of Bartın.
Transportation Methods
- Private Vehicle: To reach Amasra, if you are traveling from Istanbul, you need to go to Bartın using the D100 highway. You can reach Amasra in about 20 minutes by following the signs from Bartın to Amasra. For those coming from Ankara, it is enough to reach Bartın via the D750 highway and follow the same route.
- Public Transportation: There are regular minibus services from Bartın to Amasra. The minibuses from Bartın city center to Amasra reach Amasra in about 30 minutes. When you come to Bartın by bus from other cities to reach Amasra, it is quite easy to take a minibus from there.
Why Worth Visiting Amasra
- Mesmerizing Sigtseeing: Amasra offers unique views of the cool waters of the Black Sea and lush green nature. Especially at sunset, the view of Amasra becomes spectacular.
- Historical and Cultural Richness: Amasra is full of historical ruins. Ancient Roman ruins, Byzantine and Ottoman buildings are ideal for historical excursions.
- Delicious Seafood: Amasra is famous for its fresh seafood. Especially Amasra salad and fish restaurants offer great opportunities to taste local delicacies.
- Beaches and Bays: Amasra is frequented by vacationers in the summer months with its beautiful beaches and quiet bays. It offers ideal areas for sunbathing and swimming.
- Arts and Crafts: Amasra is famous for its local handmade products. Amasra stone stands out as various handicrafts and souvenirs.
History of Amasra
The history of Amasra dates back to ancient times. The first traces of settlement date back to the 3rd century BC. In ancient times, Amasra was known as “Amastris” and stood out as an important port city of the region. Amastris is known to have been founded by Pontus King Mithridates VI.
Amasra was also an important settlement during the Roman Empire. During the Byzantine period, it became an important strategic point and witnessed many wars and sieges. During the Ottoman period, Amasra maintained its importance as a settlement and witnessed various cultural interactions.
Amasra, which has hosted many civilizations throughout its history, offers a rich history with its buildings and ruins today.
Architectural and Structural Characteristics
Amasra attracts attention with its historical buildings and architectural features. In this section, we will examine the architectural and structural features of Amasra in more detail.
Amasra Castle
Amasra Castle is one of the most prominent structures of the ancient city. The walls of the castle, which has ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods, have been preserved in an eye-catching way. The construction of the castle dates back to the 3rd century BC. The strategic location of the fortress is of great importance for the control of maritime trade in the region.
- Castle Structure: Amasra Castle consists of two main parts. These two sections, known as the inner castle and the outer castle, were built in different periods. The inner castle has military and administrative structures. In the outer castle, there are walls built for defense purposes.
- Walls and Gates: The castle walls are built of huge stone blocks. The walls were kept very thick and high to provide protection against enemy attacks. The castle gates are important for both defense and entrance-exit control. The most well-known gate of the castle passes through the area called “Süleyman Hill”.
- View: When you reach the summit of Amasra Castle, you can see the magnificent view of the Black Sea. The castle is a point where both historical and natural beauties coexist.
Kemere Bridge (Stone Bridge)
Stone Bridge, one of the most beautiful structures of Amasra, is a bridge belonging to the Roman period. This bridge is an important work reflecting the historical texture of Amasra. It is possible to feel the history while passing over it.
- Design of the Bridge: The Stone Bridge is built of large blocks of smoothly cut stone. The architecture of the bridge is reminiscent of Roman structures. The arch structure of the bridge offers an aesthetic appearance while at the same time providing a strong durability.
- Visuality on the Bridge: Stone Bridge has become one of the symbols of Amasra. Visitors can have a historical experience by walking on the bridge and enjoy the beautiful views of Amasra.
- Historical Importance: The Stone Bridge was used in ancient times to provide land connection with the islands surrounding Amasra. This bridge contributed to the development of commercial activities in the region.
Church of St. Nicholas
The Church of St. Nicholas in Amasra reflects the Christian history of the region. This church is one of the oldest buildings in Amasra. The construction date of the church dates back to the 5th century. The mosaics in the interior of the church reflect the artistic understanding of the period.
Historical Walls: The church is surrounded by the city walls of Amasra. These walls were built both for defense purposes and to protect religious activities. The architecture of the church is characterized by the skillful use of local stones.
Architectural Details: The columns and arches in the structure of the church bear the architectural features of the period. The interior is decorated with frescoes and these frescoes provide important information about the history of Christianity.
Amasra Museum
Amasra Museum is an important museum where artifacts from excavations in the ancient city are exhibited. The museum is an indispensable stop for history buffs.
- Museum Collection: Amasra Museum houses many artifacts from the Roman and Byzantine periods. These artifacts include sculptures, coins, ceramics and objects of daily life. The museum reveals the cultural and artistic richness of antiquity.
- Exhibition Areas: The exhibition areas within the museum allow visitors to examine the artifacts more closely. Each artifact is exhibited with detailed information underneath. Visitors can learn about the history of ancient Amasra through these artifacts.
- Educational Activities: Amasra Museum organizes educational programs for students in cooperation with local schools. These programs aim to introduce the historical heritage to young generations and to instill an awareness of conservation.
Interesting Facts About Amasra
- Meaning of Amasra: The name Amasra comes from the name “Amastris”. Amastris is the name of a kingdom that was the founder of the city in ancient times.
- Amasra Salad: Amasra is known for its famous Amasra salad. This salad made with fresh vegetables is frequently preferred by local and foreign tourists.
- Handicrafts: Amasra is especially famous for its ceramics and woodwork. Handmade products made by local artists are sold as souvenirs.
- Rock Tombs: The rock tombs around Amasra are important ruins reflecting the beliefs of the people who lived in ancient times.
- Cultural Festivals: Amasra hosts various cultural festivals organized during the summer months. These festivals offer an important opportunity to promote the local culture.
- Historical Port: Amasra is known as an important port city in ancient times. Its historical harbor has been one of the important points of maritime trade.
- Black Sea Climate: Amasra is under the influence of the Black Sea climate. Therefore, it is full of green areas and natural beauties throughout the year.
- Historical Theater: The ruins of the ancient theater near Amasra have hosted important events in the past.
- Cultural Heritage: Amasra has been home to many civilizations and has a rich cultural heritage.
- Calm Bays: Amasra is known for its quiet bays. These bays are ideal areas for swimming and relaxation.
Nearby Attractions
- Bartın: Bartın is famous for its historical buildings and natural beauties. Bartın Castle and Bartın River are among the areas worth exploring.
- Kozcağız: Kozcağız is a village in Bartın. It is an ideal place to relax with its natural beauties and fresh air.
- Kurucasile: This small coastal town is famous for its beautiful beaches and natural beauty. It is very close to Amasra.
- Düzce: Düzce is a region that attracts attention with its nature walks and camping areas. The natural beauties of Düzce attract visitors.
- Safranbolu: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic city offers the finest examples of Ottoman architecture.
Best Time to Visit Amasra
The best time to visit Amasra is during the spring and fall months. From March to May, the weather is mild and nature comes alive. September and October are the months when the warm weather continues and the crowds diminish. Temperatures can be high during the summer months, especially in July and August, so those wishing to visit in summer should be prepared.
Dress Code
When visiting Amasra, it is important to wear comfortable and seasonally appropriate clothing. Don’t forget to bring swimsuits and towels for swimming and beach activities. Also, since you will be participating in nature walks, wearing comfortable shoes will make the visiting experience more enjoyable. It is also a good idea to take a hat and sunglasses for protection from the sun.
Amasra is a settlement full of historical and natural beauty. It offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its historical buildings, beaches and local flavours. By visiting Amasra, you can discover traces of the past and find peace in the unique view of the Black Sea.
