Batumi is an ancient Georgian city located on the Black Sea coast. In addition, it is the main tourist center of the country. The sights of Batumi are the Makhuntseti waterfall , an arch bridge and a large number of ancient and modern works of architecture.
basic information
Batumi is a small village. A little more than 150 thousand people live here. Nevertheless, in the legendary Georgian city there are a lot of old buildings and modern skyscrapers . Every year he is visited by a huge number of tourists who want to get acquainted with local attractions. The main part of Batumi adjoins the bay of the same name.
The population is multinational. Both Armenians, Russians, and, of course, Georgians live here. In total, among the local residents are representatives of more than twenty nationalities. Most of them are, of course, Orthodox. By the way, one of the attractions of the city is the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Why is the population of this city so colorful ? In what century did Batumi originate? And what does its name mean?
History
Aristotle was one of the first to write about Batumi. That is, this city is really ancient. Its name may be translated as " stone. " However, one of the ancient authors in his work mentioned the port with the Greek name - ΞΞ±ΞΈΟΟ, which means " deep " .
In the early Middle Ages, Batumi belonged to the kingdom of Lazika . Later it became part of a single Georgian state. In the middle of the XVI century, Batumi was occupied by the Ottomans , who left the city only three hundred years after its conquest. This happened after the conclusion of the Berlin Peace Treaty. The combined Russian-Georgian forces liberated the city from the Turks , and it became part of Russia. For eight years, Batumi was a free port, which favorably reflected in its formation.
After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the war with Russia, Georgian lands, including the territory of modern Batumi, had to be given as indemnities. In the XIX century, the city acquired considerable importance in economic terms. Batumi district was created, which included the Artvinsky , Batumi and Adjar districts. Thanks to the status of port-free (free port), the city grew, taking on the appearance of a European settlement. True, at the same time, the situation of local residents worsened and cases of smuggling became more frequent. Porto Franco was liquidated in 1886.
Batumi in the 20th century
At the beginning of the century, unrest began in the city. Employees of Batumi enterprises more and more frankly expressed dissatisfaction with the working conditions. Here, in the first decades of the 20th century , as in other cities of Georgia, lawlessness and anarchy were observed. By the beginning of World War I, the Caucasian Front as such was not. The Ottoman Empire again occupied a significant territory of Georgia. In 1918, Batumi was annexed by the Turks. By the end of the war, this territory had already become a zone of British occupation. Nevertheless, in the early twenties, after a series of events, the city of Batumi became Soviet. Such a diverse and eventful history of the city, of course, could not but leave a mark on its architecture.
sights
What to see in Batumi? The question is rather complicated, because even if you name the most famous sights, you get a list consisting of more than 25 points. We will name a few of them. Even those who plan to spend only two or three days in the city will find the information presented below useful and the question of what to see in Batumi is unlikely to arise. So, in the main resort city of Georgia there are the following attractions:
- Sculpture "Ali and Nino" . Eight-meter statues depict the characters of an old Georgian legend. The sculptural composition was opened in 2011.
- Seaside park . The attraction was opened in the eighties of the XIX century. The park has cafes, restaurants and sports fields.
- Cableway " Argo " . Its height is 250 meters, width - 2.6 kilometers. There is no longer and wider cable car in any European city.
- Piazza This attraction of Batumi is often compared with the square located in Venice. Various events, celebrations and concerts are regularly held here.
- Chacha Tower . The tower is located near the maritime station. Its height is 25 meters.
- Arched bridge of Queen Tamara. A fairly large structure, created about 900 years ago.
- Europe Square . Located in the center, it is considered the most romantic place in the city.
- Waterfall Makhuntseti. In Batumi , one of the most beautiful cities in the Caucasus , there are no more picturesque landscapes than those that can be seen on the way to this natural monument. The waterfall itself is described in more detail below.
While relaxing in the Georgian resort, it is also worth visiting the Tower of the Georgian alphabet, May 6 Park, Gonio Apsaros Fortress , Colosseum and the Armenian Church, built in the 19th century. A rather unusual building, made in a modern architectural style, is the House of Justice.
On the way to the waterfall
Batumi is a city with a developed infrastructure. And beyond it you can see the true pristine nature of the Caucasus. From Batumi, Makhuntseti Waterfall is 30 kilometers away. The tourist route to the arch bridge and this natural monument is quite popular among the guests of the city. How to get to Makhuntseti ?
You need to go along the Transajar highway, past Khelvachauri . A few kilometers after the Adjara winery there will be a sign. A guide to the most famous Batumi waterfall is the arch bridge. Makhuntetsi is opposite him, but on the other side of the road. You can get there not only by your own car, but also by minibus. Public transport runs to these places regularly. You will have to spend 3-4 GEL on the road.
Mahuntseti
Just a trip to the waterfall will bring aesthetic pleasure. Mountains, a variety of vegetation, small houses in the distance - all this creates a unique landscape that will not spoil even bad weather. Makhuntseti Waterfall is located near the road, a 5-minute walk from it. The beauty of these places cannot be overestimated.
According to the reviews of tourists, it is advisable to visit the waterfall in the hot season. Below is a small pit where you can swim. There are no prohibitory plates here, however, the stones are rather slippery, and therefore you can get injured. The rocks near the waterfall have a rather interesting relief. And just a few meters away is a small cafe. Prices in this establishment are the same as in Batumi. Here, near the waterfall, is an old stone bridge.
Queen Tamara
There are many legends about this historical figure. The tsarina ruled Georgia in the second half of the 12th century. In the history of the country, this time is called the " golden age " . According to one legend, Queen Tamara did not die at all, but sleeps in a golden cradle. Someday the voice of human grief will reach her and she will wake up. According to the Georgian highlanders, Tamara had the gift of a healer and was able to heal any ailments of any kind. In Georgia, many objects (both ancient and modern) are named after the legendary ruler, including the airport near the village of Mestia . It is not surprising that one of the oldest bridges in Adjara bears her name.
Arch bridge
The stone structure is 500 meters from the waterfall described above. The bridge was built around the 12th century. Its length is 29 meters. The bridge has no railing, and therefore walks on it may seem unsafe. But this is a false impression. In summer, many swim here, the river is shallow. In autumn, there is usually not a soul on the bridge, and the cafe located nearby and so popular among tourists is closed at this time.