The Güzelcehisar Basalt Columns Natural Monument is located on the coast of Güzelcehisar Village, in the district of Amasra, 17 km away from Bartın city center. Covering an area of 14.30 hectares, it was declared a "Natural Monument" on August 14, 2017, with decree no. 725 (by the then Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, now the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry). This protected area lies within the boundaries of Bartın central district.
Güzelcehisar Basalt Columns Natural Monument (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Geological Features and Significance
The Güzelcehisar Basalt Columns were formed as a result of volcanic activity approximately 80 million years ago. The slow cooling of lava flows led to the development of nearly vertical fractures, which created columnar structures typically in pentagonal geometry (less commonly hexagonal or quadrilateral). The diameters of the columns range between 50–100 cm, while their heights exceed 30 meters. These well-ordered geometric structures (known as "columns") are characteristic features caused by contraction and stress during cooling. However, at higher elevations, deviations in geometry occur due to landslides, tectonic movements, and variations in rock strength.
The Güzelcehisar Basalt Columns are a rare natural formation visible worldwide only in Northern Ireland, Scotland, California, and in Türkiye exclusively in Bartın. They are distinguished from their counterparts by exhibiting both horizontal and vertical formations. Their origin lies in the subduction of the Tethys Ocean floor, which melted deep underground and resurfaced, causing volcanic activity that began about 90 million years ago and ended around 70 million years ago, extending along a wide belt from western Bulgaria to eastern Georgia. The columnar formations in Bartın are among the most striking results of this volcanism.
Güzelcehisar Basalt Columns (Anadolu Ajansı)
Biological Diversity
The Güzelcehisar Basalt Columns Natural Monument harbors rich biological diversity. Its terrestrial ecosystem is almost entirely composed of the ecosystem type called “Temperate Western Black Sea Broad-Leaved Mixed Forests.” Within this forest structure, the dominant species are Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), sessile oak (Quercus petraea), and hop hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia). In addition, species such as alder (Alnus glutinosa), maple (Acer campestre, Acer platanoides), elm (Ulmus glabra), linden (Tilia argentea), chestnut (Castanea sativa), laurel (Laurus nobilis), cherry laurel (Laurocerasus officinalis), and rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) are also frequently encountered.
The site also includes the symbolic Rock Ecosystem, which gives the area its name. On the northern border of the area are the coastal strip, small dune systems, and the shoreline along the Black Sea. In terms of fauna, species such as hedgehog, bat, frog, lizard, squirrel, jackal, fox, weasel, stone marten, wild boar, roe deer, hare, and wolf inhabit the site. Thanks to the influence of the Mediterranean climate felt in part of the village, mandarin and lemon trees can also be grown in the region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Several facilities and infrastructure for visitors exist in and around the Natural Monument. The most notable is the 800-meter-long wooden walking platform/path, which extends along the 850-meter sandy beach of Güzelcehisar and ends on a small islet right next to the rock formations. There are two scenic viewing terraces within the area, including on the islet. Additionally, a pier has been constructed. Güzelcehisar Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Bartın. Around the Natural Monument area and the adjoining Güzelcehisar Village, there are also private businesses such as tea gardens and parking lots serving visitors.
Activities
Visitors to the Güzelcehisar Basalt Columns Natural Monument can engage in a variety of activities. Swimming in the clean sea and on its sandy beach is possible. Camping opportunities are also offered. The 800-meter wooden walking platform provides an ideal route for scenic walks. On the two viewing terraces, visitors can take photographs, enjoy the unique Black Sea scenery and the magnificence of the basalt columns, or organize events. Autumn and spring are suitable seasons for birdwatching in the region.
Viewing Terrace (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Historical and Cultural Context
The village of Güzelcehisar, where the Natural Monument is located, has a rich historical background. The village hosts the Güzelcehisar Castle, dating back to the Genoese period. This castle is known to have served as the watchtower of the ancient city of Kromna and is reported to have remained intact until the 1900s. In order to protect the natural beauty of the region and bring it into tourism, the "Tourism and Recreation-Oriented Landscape Implementation Project of Bartın Province Güzelcehisar Lava Columns and Coastline" was implemented and completed in 2018. As part of this project, wooden walking paths, viewing terraces, and a pier were constructed.
Transportation
Access to the Natural Monument begins from Bartın city center. Following the road that branches towards Bartın Port and proceeding approximately 8 km westward, one reaches the Güzelcehisar junction to the southwest. From there, after another 11 km, one arrives at the Güzelcehisar Basalt Columns Natural Monument. The closest airport to the area is Zonguldak Çaycuma Airport in Çaycuma district of Zonguldak, located 15 km from the Natural Monument as the crow flies. The distance from Bartın city center to the Natural Monument in a straight line is approximately 13.5 km.
