Often referred to as the maritime gateway of Georgia, the city of Poti stands as a testament to its strategic significance on the Black Sea coast. This title is not merely honorary — it is affirmed by the lines of cargo ships docked gracefully at its bustling port. Yet, Poti’s advantageous geographic position has come with a cost: few historical landmarks remain to tell its story. This is particularly poignant, given that Poti is believed to be built on the site of ancient Phasis, one of the earliest Greek colonies in the region.
Despite its sparse architectural heritage, Poti exudes a distinctive charm. The sleepy rhythm of small-town life is periodically stirred by the clank and roar of towering cranes at the docks. The salty tang of the sea mingles with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from cozy street cafés. It is a place meant not just for strolling through its streets, but also for venturing beyond its borders, where several modest beaches and the scenic Lake Paliastomi await.
Some say Poti is the oldest city in Georgia — if one accepts the identification of ancient Phasis with modern-day Poti. That original Phasis, however, has long vanished, and scholars remain uncertain about its precise location. The first recorded fortification in what is now Poti was built by the Ottomans in 1578. This fortress was eventually abandoned, prompting the construction of a new one in 1703. By 1729, the new fortress stood complete, and a century later, in 1829, it passed into the hands of the Russian Empire.
The Russian administration would spend the next fifty years trying to transform Poti into a functional seaport. Their efforts finally bore fruit in the 1880s, marking the beginning of the city’s rapid development — in part driven by the export of manganese through its harbor.
The city is divided in two by the Rioni River. On its northern bank lie the port facilities, multi-story residential blocks, and sprawling neighborhoods of individual houses. The southern bank hosts Poti’s city center, filled with markets, banks, shops, and restaurants. At its heart, on Rustaveli Square, stands a park crowned by an imposing cathedral: the Church of the Blessed Virgin, built in 1907.
This Byzantine-style church underwent numerous transformations under Soviet rule — repurposed first as a theater, then a library, and eventually closed altogether. Today, the church has been revived as a place of worship. Its exterior has been meticulously restored to its original design, though the interior has been modernized, as the original frescoes could not be preserved.
To the left of the cathedral’s entrance stands the oldest surviving structure in the city: the Poti Tower. This remnant of a 1640 Ottoman fortress marks the genesis of Poti’s urban history. Depicted on the city’s coat of arms, the tower today serves a dual purpose as a café and a memorial museum dedicated to the influential Georgian public figure, Niko Nikoladze.
At the mouth of the Rioni River rises another symbol of the city — the Poti Lighthouse. Erected in 1862, it was manufactured in the United Kingdom and transported by sea to Georgia. Standing 38 meters tall, the lighthouse continues to guide seafarers to this day.
After exploring Poti’s modest collection of historical sites, it is worth turning one’s gaze to the natural beauty that surrounds it. Southeast of the city lies Lake Paliastomi, a vital component of the Kolkheti National Park. The lake is fringed by lush, relict vine forests and rare subtropical woodlands. These areas are accessible only by boat, preserving their untouched splendor. Visitors must enter the park via the official visitor center on 222 Guriyskaya Street.
While Poti has its own beaches, they remain rather undeveloped, and the industrial activities of the port have had a negative impact on the local marine environment. For cleaner sands and a more pleasant experience, locals often head to Maltakva Beach, located just four kilometers south of the city limits.