Churches and Temples of Batumi

Batumi, being a Christian region, has been influenced by the Ottoman Empire, bringing Eastern motifs to the city. This article will provide you with more information about the churches and temples of this wonderful city, as well as their history.

The majority of religious buildings in the city belong to the Orthodox faith, although there are places of worship for Jews and Muslims in Batumi as well. The city is multicultural, and respect is shown for the religious beliefs of each community. Here, you can delve into the rich history of the temples and cathedrals, admire their incredible beauty, and find solace in prayer.

Holy Trinity Church

This religious sanctuary stands atop Mount Sameba. It can be seen clearly from the promenade, near the sea terminal, as well as from Mount Fero.

The church was founded in the second half of the 19th century. During the Soviet era, it served as a warehouse. In 1947, the church resumed its functions, but after 29 years, it was burned down. In 1979, the church was rebuilt and once again began its religious activities.

The territory surrounding the church is well-maintained and beautiful, offering a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings. Worshipers can pray inside the church from 9 AM to 6 PM.

It is important to adhere to a dress code. Women should wear skirts below the knee and cover their heads, while men should wear pants. If you have not prepared for these requirements, there are stalls near the church where you can borrow scarves during your visit.

How to Get There

You can reach the church by renting a car which takes about half an hour. There is no parking near the church, so you can ask local residents for permission to park your car near their homes for 1 GEL.

You can also take a taxi. The round trip will cost around 20 GEL.

You can use public transportation to reach the church if you want to save money. You can catch a bus near Batumi Plaza or near the beginning of the cable car station (although be prepared for a long walk in this case).

Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit

This church, constructed at the intersection of the past and the present, can be found at Gogebashvili Street, 54.

The church has an extraordinary appearance, adorned with large stained glass windows that create a cozy atmosphere. The image is completed by a massive silver cross. The interior is modest, with a few icons and a small painting above the altar.

Tourists have the opportunity to visit the house of prayer on any day except Friday, when collective prayer takes place. There is a separate room for women. When visiting the church, remember the dress code (especially for women) - modest clothing is required.

Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary

This centuries-old cathedral was built in the early 20th century through the donations of local residents and the financial support of an oil businessman. It is the first church belonging to the Catholic faith. In 1917, the cathedral was converted into an administrative institution. In 1937, the church suffered significant damage. At the end of the 20th century, after reconstruction, the cathedral began adhering to the Orthodox faith.

The cathedral is located at the corner of Zubalashvili and Tavadadebuli streets.

The Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary is very spacious, exquisite, and at the same time, cozy. Italian masters were involved in its construction and decoration. Inside the church, you will be captivated by the beauty of the painted windows.

It is said that a special stone was used during the construction of the church, which changes color depending on the weather. On both sides of the cathedral, there are niches with statues of the apostles Simon the Canaanite and Andrew the Apostle.

Near the cathedral, there is a drinking fountain and a small park. Here, you can find solace and enjoy some quiet time. A large park is also located nearby.

Since 2011, the cathedral has been listed as a cultural heritage site of Batumi. It is considered the finest in Georgia.

Church of Holy Christ the Savior

Until the end of the 20th century, the church was used first as a warehouse and then as an observatory. In 1995, the church began functioning, although there was reconstruction carried out at the beginning of the 21st century. Funds for the construction were collected by the parishioners, and the architect was a talented Austrian native. The church is located at Gamsakhurdia Street, 25.

The territory of the church is adorned with two Armenian monuments and a magnolia tree, which, according to legend, was planted by Aivazovsky. The church is beautiful and cozy inside, with a couple of icons hanging on the walls. In 2010, even the president visited here.

Several facilities operate within the church:

• Sunday school
• Youth center
• Several musical groups

Church of St. Nicholas

This is the oldest church in the city. Its construction began in the mid-19th century, designed by an Austrian architect. The church was completed in 1871, except for the bell. It took another seven years for the bell to be installed. The church had parish schools for women and men. The construction was carried out through the donations of the faithful.

The reconstruction of the church took place until the end of the 20th century, and it was reopened in 2011. The church is located at Tsar Parnavaz Street, 20.

The church also issued its own currency, which was used as payment for church services. In 1920, the residents of Chios Island presented beautiful icons of the Holy Virgin, St. Nicholas, and St. George as a gift to the church.

The church is beautiful and situated in a well-maintained green area. Inside, there is a sense of antiquity, and it is quiet and peaceful. Over the years, the church has been repainted three times, from sky-blue to light peach.

Church of St. Barbara

Not as well-known and frequently visited as its predecessors. In 1888, Emperor Alexander III ordered the construction of the church near the military hospital. The church began its functions in 1906. In 1996, the hospital was destroyed, and in 1997, the church became autonomous. The church is located at Rustaveli Street, 26.

The Church of St. Barbara has a modest appearance—a small rectangular building with simple interior decoration and a few icons. Nearby, there is a second part of the church. They used to be connected by an arch. According to historical sources, there used to be a bell tower here, but it is no longer present.

Orta Jame Mosque

The mosque was built in the 19th century when Batumi was under the rule of Turkey. Before it, there were already two Muslim prayer houses in the city, and Orta Jame Mosque was located between the other two. Today, it is the only mosque remaining among all the mosques in the city.

From 1946 onwards, the mosque was closed for more than 20 years. Major renovations were carried out at the end of the 20th century.

The mosque is located at Kutaisi Street, 33. The majority of the residents in this area are Muslims. There is a small park nearby the mosque.

The mosque is distinguished by its elegant minaret, which can be seen from many places in Batumi. Under the patronage of the mosque, there is a school for children who wish to study religion and the Quran.

Synagogue

Construction of the synagogue was completed in 1904. It was built to commemorate the birth of Emperor Nicholas II's son. In 1899, the emperor allowed Jews to build a place of worship, and they promised to pray for him and his family.

During the Soviet era, the synagogue was converted into a sports club, but in the late 1990s, it was reconstructed as a religious house and resumed its functions.

The synagogue resembles the prayer houses of Amsterdam and The Hague, which makes it truly beautiful—with its white walls, sky-blue ceiling, benches, and chairs along the walls. Visit Vazha Pshavela Street, 33 and witness its unique beauty firsthand.