History of Old Batumi

Batumi is one of the oldest cities in Georgia founded as early as BCE. Its initial form – Batus – had already been mentioned in the 4^th century BCE. The name must have derived from the Greek word meaning ‘deep’. Aristotle (4^th c BCE), Pliny (2^nd c CE) and others called the place “Pontus Bathea”. In antique times the local population used to have active trade relations with the neighboring as well as distant countries. During the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (2^nd c CE) there used to be a Roman military camp on the territory of present Batumi.

            Batumi has always been distinguished by favorable natural and strategic location. From 18^th century Batumi was under the Ottoman rule. After the Turkish-Russian war of 1877-1878 and as a result of Berlin Treaty Batumi became the inseparable constituent part of Georgia. In 1878-1886 Batumi Port was announced as “Porto Franco” that fostered the further development of the city. After the construction of Baku – Batumi railway system (1883), reconstruction of the Batumi port and connection to Baku via pipelines (1897-1907) Batumi became an important sea terminal along the Black Sea littoral. The Caspian Sea oil products were transferred from this location to other countries. In 1918 and 1920 the city was governed by the Ottomans and the British alternately.

Interesting historical past has considerably preconditioned architectural diversity of Batumi (a number of interesting projects were accomplished by European architects during the Porto Franco period). During the soviet and post-soviet times it was also turned into a popular seaport and tourist destination.

Modern Batumi

Today Batumi has become not only one of the most beautiful cities of Georgia but a distinguished tourist center on the Black Sea. It has always had resources necessary for a resort city. However, the recent years saw important measures accomplished for the tourism development: residential houses of Old Batumi have been reconstructed; world brand hotels have been opened, the project “Batumi-Velo” has launched, many café-restaurants and entertainment places have been opened.

Besides sunny beaches, Batumi is distinguished by modern architectural buildings, such as Alphabet Tower, Public Service Hall, Hotel Radisson Blu and new residential blocks. Batumi is a superb place with its one of the richest in Europe botanical gardens, unforgettable dolphin shows, spectacular 7 kilometer Seaside Boulevard built in 1881 by French Gardener and open air modern sculptures.