Old Town Batumi is the city’s most popular tourist district, steeped in history and charm. Established in the 19th century, this area has been fully restored and is now regarded as the cultural and historical heart of Batumi, where the city’s most significant attractions are concentrated.
Here, architectural marvels over 150 years old coexist harmoniously with modern structures of whimsical shapes and diverse styles. Quaint cafes, restaurants, artisan shops, and boutiques add to the vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can choose from a wide array of luxurious hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and cozy guesthouses in Old Town.
Nestled in the northern part of Batumi, the Old Town is just a few minutes’ walk from the Black Sea and the port. Its northern boundary meets Rustaveli Avenue, while Gogebashvili Street defines the western edge, Chavchavadze Street runs along the south, and Barataashvili Street marks the east. The Old Town is adjacent to the Boni district, Rustaveli Avenue, and the streets of Gorky and Chachavadze.
The main attractions of Batumi are concentrated in Old Town, where popular excursion routes begin. Here, you will find most of the city’s renowned churches, squares, and monuments. Exploring all the sights of Old Town can be accomplished in just a couple of hours.
Piazza Square, located in the heart of Old Town on Tsar Parnavaz Street, opened in 2010 following a restoration as part of the city’s program to rehabilitate its historic districts. The project, designed by Georgian architect Vazha Orbeladze, aimed to create a little corner of Italy in the capital of Adjara. The result is reminiscent of Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, with Italian decor seamlessly blending into the city’s historic fabric. The facades of the low-rise buildings surrounding the square are adorned with stained glass paintings and mosaic patterns. Today, Piazza is the largest venue in the city for cultural events and features some of the best restaurants, bars, and clubs in Batumi. The square is closed to traffic, making it perfect for leisurely strolls.
Europe Square is also situated in the center of Old Town, close to Rustaveli Avenue. Named in honor of Adjara’s admission to the Assembly of European Regions, it is surrounded by main streets lined with whimsical buildings decorated with mosaics, reliefs, and stained glass. A 130-meter gilded statue of Medea, installed in 2007, symbolizes Georgia’s connection to the European world. Next to it, a small cozy fountain allows visitors to pass under its streams without getting wet. The square is home to numerous cafes and restaurants, becoming an increasingly popular venue for large cultural events in the city.
One of the highlights of Old Town is the Argo Cable Car. Its lower station and ticket office are located on Gogebashvili Street, near the Batumi port. Built in 2013, it is the longest cable car in Georgia, stretching 2.5 kilometers and covering the distance in approximately 15 minutes. At a height of fifty meters, passengers are treated to stunning views of the port, the Ferris wheel, and other coastal landmarks. The cable car operates with 20 cabins, each equipped with soft benches and transparent walls. While the starting point is on the coast in the Old Town, the final destination is on Mount Anuria, 250 meters above sea level, where visitors can find a viewing platform, a small restaurant, a souvenir shop, and even a church.
In 2012, the Chacha Tower (Chacha Fountain) was built along the promenade, a precise replica of the one that once stood in the same location in the last century. This 25-meter tower features a clock and is surrounded by four pools equipped with sensors. These sensors allowed chacha—a traditional Georgian grape brandy with an alcohol content of 40-45 degrees—to flow. However, the alcohol only “flowed like a river” for 10 minutes each week according to a strictly secret schedule, showcasing a new producer’s drink for public tasting. Currently, the fountain is closed.
Among the buildings in Old Town, the active Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, constructed in the Neo-Gothic style, stands out. Originally a Catholic church, it was transferred to the Georgian Orthodox Church in 1980. The structure is made of light stone, featuring large windows and tall spires. Inside, the furnishings are crafted from red stone adorned with blue and gold patterns. The cathedral is located at the intersection of Barataashvili and Chavchavadze streets.
The Armenian Church is situated in the Old Town on Konstantine Gamsakhurdia Street. With around eight thousand Armenians residing in Batumi, the Church of the Holy Christ the Savior serves as the main sanctuary for the Armenian community. Like many similar structures, it is constructed from light stone and features a central tower topped with conical domes. A distinctive aspect of this church is its beautifully carved stone crosses, of which there are two located on the grounds. Visitors are often drawn to the serene green garden that envelops the church, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the lively atmosphere of Old Town.
The Orta Jame Mosque is located on Kutaisi Street, just a three-minute walk from the cable car station. Built in 1866, this mosque underwent significant restoration eighty years later, when city authorities not only renovated the building but also established a charming courtyard, a well-maintained park, and a minaret, all in accordance with Eastern architectural traditions. The interior walls are adorned with exquisite paintings by Turkish artists, though the overall decor remains modest. Today, it stands as the only mosque in Batumi, a testament to the city’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
