Sights of Batumi and its surroundings: what is worth seeing?

Although Batumi was considered a famous beach resort even in the times of the USSR, however, it acquired its modern attractive appearance as a result of intensive construction of skyscrapers and new hotels in the period 2005-2010. A magnificent beach vacation there can be combined with interesting excursions, as the capital of Adjara has an ancient history, and the city of Batus in ancient Greek sources is mentioned from the 4th century BC. E. What to see in Batumi and its environs, this article will tell.

Cable car

To see some of the sights of Batumi and the surrounding area from a bird's eye view, it is worth using the cable car. From the observation platform, to which the car reaches in 10 minutes, you can see the port, the mountains of Adjara, and also remarkable buildings in the old and new parts of the city.

The cable car operates from the weekend from 09:00 to 22:00. The ticket price for adults is 10 (two-way), and for children - 6 lari.

Gvar fortress

Considering the historical sights of Batumi and its environs, one can not help mentioning this building, dating back to the Roman period. The ruins of the ancient citadel are on a hill, 300 meters from the confluence of the rivers Machachlichkal and Chorokh. Up to now, several walls with a height of 5-6 m were preserved. The researchers proved that the fortress was built in the 5th-6th centuries of our era and performed defensive functions up to the 14th century. It was of strategic importance and protected the access to the Black Sea.

Tower of the alphabet

The location of this new landmark of Batumi and the surrounding area is Ninoshvili Street. It was built in order to perpetuate the Georgian alphabet. The tower is a bit like a spiral of DNA, on which letters are written. This 130-meter-high structure is especially beautiful in the lights of night illumination, and at its top operates a rotating restaurant of Thai cuisine.

Batumi Water Park

Batumi Hotel Euro Park, located at the intersection of Sheriff Khimshiashvili and Kobaladze streets, has an active water park.

The price for the whole day of his visit is 30 lari in August and 25 lari in June and in July (data of 2016).

The price includes the use of mattresses, slides and sun loungers. There are storage cabinets and locker rooms for visitors.

Statue of Medea

As is known, several thousand years ago the Argonauts sailed to Colchis for the golden fleece. In memory of this on the main square of Batumi is a high stele, on top of which there is a statue of Princess Medea with the Golden Fleece.

The Neptune Fountain

Those who see the photo of this landmark Batumi and the surrounding area, think that it depicts one of the beauties of some European capital. The fact that the fountain is made in the Baroque style and perfectly in harmony with the building of the local Drama Theater. His composition combines five fragments, and in the center on a high pedestal, at the corners of which are figures of mermaids, a gilded statue of Neptune is planted. The fountain is a copy of the sculpture that adorns the historic center of the Italian city of Bologna.

Sculpture "Love"

In the people this monument is called "Ali and Nino", as the sculptor Tamar Kviedidze created it under the impression of the novel of the same name by Kurban Saeed. He is at the entrance to the city and is moving, as every 10 minutes the figures move towards each other. When "Ali" and "Nino" meet, they unite into a single whole, and then again move in opposite directions.

Botanical Garden

Telling about the sights of Batumi and its environs (see photo above), one can not fail to mention the huge green zone located in the village "Zelenyi Cape". This one of the world's largest botanical gardens covers an area of 110 hectares, and was founded more than 120 years ago. The richest collection of plants growing there is distributed on the principle of the gardens of the Semiramis. In the upper tier of the park zone you can see Himalayan endemics, and at the foot - Mediterranean flora. Large areas of the Botanical Garden are reserved for the subtropics of Transcaucasia, North American and Australian vegetation, the Mexican Hill, etc. Thus, by studying Batumi and the surrounding area, you can make a kind of mini-trip across several climatic zones of our planet.

National Museum of Adjara

This is one of the largest cultural institutions in the country occupies a building built by the architect Kakha Javakhishvili in 1949 (address: Zurab Gorgiladze street, 8). The museum has 5 main exhibitions: ancient Georgian, Russian, West European, Soviet and Oriental art. The pride of his collection are paintings of Russian realists of the 20th century.

The best beaches of Batumi and its surroundings

Although during the holiday season in the city there is no shortage of holidaymakers, everyone can find a "place under the sun" to sunbathe and indulge in water fun.

Most of Batumi beaches are pebble beaches. The main one is in the city. Recently, he is called in the European manner - "Batumi Beach". It has a developed infrastructure. The beach itself stretches for 6 km. On it there are cabins for changing clothes, as well as rental outlets for sun beds and umbrellas. In the immediate vicinity of Batumi Beach there are many restaurants and cafes. From entertainment to holidaymakers, you can ride on "bananas", water skiing and catamarans. Every night discos organized by invited DJs are organized. The entrance to the water at Batumi Beach is smooth, which makes it a suitable place to relax with young children.

Another popular beach - "Sarapi" - is located in the vicinity of Batumi. It is equipped with umbrellas and sun beds, sofas and hammocks, as well as cafes and bars. At the same time there is less entertainment than on the main beach of the resort, so less crowded.

Beaches are also in Ureki, Gonio and Kvariati, where you can dive.

Dolphinarium

At 51 Rustaveli Street, the resort has another entertainment facility, which is definitely worth a visit, especially if you come to the resort with the children. Batumi Dolphinarium is located on the outskirts of the park "May 6" and 8 dolphins and 4 seals participate in its representations. Sessions start at 16:00 and at 19:00 (on Monday - only at 16:00). The ticket price is 15-20 GEL.

Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On Chavchavadze Street (building 25) is one of the main Christian churches in the city. Guests of Batumi often remain confused because of the Gothic appearance of the cathedral. In fact, it was originally built as a church. The main decoration of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin is the luxurious stained-glass windows.

Now you know what to see in Batumi and the surrounding area in the summer, so do not be bored during the rest at this resort, which is considered one of the best in the Transcaucasus.