In the capital of Adjara, Batumi, there is a wealth of entertainment options for tourists. To introduce visitors to the city’s rich history, a variety of museums have been established. Among the most unique is the David Komakhidze Museum of Religion, named after the son of the celebrated Georgian writer and publicist, Teimuraz Komakhidze. This museum bears the family name because the Komakhidze family collected a significant portion of the exhibits. Now, the collection is open for all to explore. As a relatively young institution, the museum was inaugurated in Batumi in September 2004.
Batumi is a multi-confessional city, home to people of various religions, with Orthodox Christianity being the most widely practiced among the population, followed by Judaism, Islam, Catholicism, and Gregorianism. This diversity symbolizes the city’s tolerance towards different faiths, a theme that the museum beautifully encapsulates, reflecting both the historical and contemporary spiritual life of the region.
Many tourists are pleasantly surprised to discover that entry to the Museum of Religion in Batumi is completely free for everyone. According to visitors’ feedback, while the museum itself is quite small, the exhibits are educational and engaging. Although it particularly attracts those who are religious or have an interest in various faiths, it offers valuable insights for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of different cultures. The museum tends to be less crowded, allowing guests to appreciate the displays in a tranquil and serene atmosphere. In the resort city of Batumi, many choose to visit the museum on rainy days.
The David Komakhidze Museum of Religion houses approximately 400 artifacts that reflect the history of the religions present in the city, making it an intriguing destination for representatives of various faiths. Visitors can view items associated with different beliefs, including icons, sculptures, statues, bas-reliefs, frescoes, and preserved historical photographs and documents.
One of the first things that capture the attention of visitors are the miniature models of various religious structures, recreated in smaller scales. This visual representation allows guests to observe the differences and similarities in architectural styles and construction methods characteristic of different faiths. The museum also features a unique library containing books that delve into many religious movements among the peoples of Georgia.
Notably, the museum is adorned with exquisite works by the artist Zurab Nizharadze, including paintings and sculptures depicting saints, the Easter celebration, and other religious themes. A particularly striking piece is the depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, intricately crafted on a bear skin.
The Museum of Religion in Batumi is open on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and it is closed on weekends. After exploring the exhibits, visitors can take a stroll around the city to discover various religious structures catering to different faiths, including Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant cathedrals, churches, an Islamic mosque, and a Jewish synagogue.
The museum is located at Tbilisi Highway, BNZ District, directly opposite the Fortress of Saint Queen Tamar.