Poti Lighthouse

At the very mouth of the Rioni River, standing proudly on its right bank, rises the Poti Lighthouse—an enduring sentinel of the sea and a living monument to Georgia’s maritime legacy. Today, this historic beacon is home to a museum dedicated to the history of Georgian seafaring, offering a rare glimpse into the nation’s nautical past.

While there are several lighthouses dotting Georgia’s Black Sea coastline, none rise as high as the one in Poti. Reaching an impressive height of 38 meters—roughly the equivalent of a ten-story building—it is the tallest of them all, both in stature and in symbolic significance.

Poti was declared a port city in 1858, and with this new status came the urgent need for a lighthouse. By 1862, that need was fulfilled by the efforts of Ishton Amos and his sons—British engineers who brought their craftsmanship and vision to Georgia’s shores. The lighthouse was meticulously assembled from cast iron plates, which had been transported from London to Poti and then pieced together bolt by bolt according to a specially numbered system.

Inside, a spiral cast-iron staircase with 160 steps coils its way up to the optical apparatus at the top. The entire structure weighs 126 tons and stands at 36.6 meters tall. Its beam stretches across 17 nautical miles, and it continues to function under the supervision of Georgia’s State Hydrographic Service.

Access to the lighthouse isn’t granted to the casual passerby—it stands within the grounds of the hydrographic service and is under constant surveillance. Yet, for those who wish to climb its iconic tower, guided tours are available. And what a journey it is. Stepping inside, visitors are transported back in time, immediately struck by the genius of 19th-century engineering. Remarkably, apart from the modernization of its electrical equipment, the lighthouse remains just as it was over 160 years ago.

The climb itself is thrilling. As you ascend the sturdy metal staircase, excitement builds with every step. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view: the port city of Poti sprawled below, the winding Rioni River snaking through the land, and the vast, shimmering Black Sea stretching endlessly toward the horizon.

On calm days, if you’re lucky, you might even spot pods of dolphins playfully gliding through the water, coming close to shore as if to greet their landbound admirers.

A Word of Advice:
The lighthouse is tall and commanding—an exhilarating experience for most, but those with a fear of heights should come prepared. That said, this is the kind of place where fears can be softened or even conquered. The staircase, while high, is solid and secure, and the peaceful solitude of the ascent allows you to take your time and savor the experience. Once you reach the top, the awe-inspiring sea view will leave you speechless. It’s a moment of joy, a touch of the sublime—utterly unforgettable.

If you’re passing through or planning a trip to Poti, don’t miss the chance to visit this remarkable site. You’ll come away with more than just photographs—you’ll carry the memory of a view that stretches not only across the sea, but across time.

Coordinates: 42.133243, 41.661154