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Batumi is the capital of Georgia's Adjara region, located on the Black Sea coast in the country's southwest. The city combines a seaside setting with subtropical vegetation and the mountains of Adjara rising inland. Its urban landscape includes historic streets, European-style squares, modern towers, and a long coastal boulevard. Batumi has developed as an important Black Sea port and regional center, while its location has brought together Georgian, European, and wider Caucasian cultural influences. The city's combination of sea, mountains, architecture, and distinctive local traditions gives it a character that differs from other major Georgian cities.
Batumi's cultural identity reflects the multi-religious and multicultural history of Adjara. The city contains Georgian Orthodox, Catholic, and Armenian churches, as well as a mosque and synagogue, illustrating the coexistence of different religious communities. The historic center includes Piazza, Europe Square, and buildings associated with the city's development as a port. The Ali and Nino sculpture on the waterfront has become one of Batumi's recognizable modern landmarks. Created by Georgian artist Tamar Kvesitadze, the moving figures are inspired by the novel about an Azerbaijani Muslim man and Georgian Christian woman.
Batumi Boulevard follows the Black Sea shoreline and provides access to parks, sculptures, cycling paths, and views across the coast. Miracle Park contains the Alphabet Tower, a 130-meter structure incorporating Georgia's 33-letter alphabet, along with the Ferris wheel and other waterfront landmarks. About nine kilometers from the city center, the Batumi Botanical Garden occupies the slopes of Mtsvane Kontskhi and contains thousands of plant species arranged in several geographic sections. Beyond the city, Gonio Fortress preserves substantial Roman-era defensive remains, while the mountainous interior of Adjara offers forests, rivers, waterfalls, and hiking routes.
Adjarian cuisine is one of Batumi's defining local features, with boat-shaped Adjarian khachapuri being its best-known dish. The regional table also includes borano, made with Adjarian cheese and clarified butter, sinori prepared with thin baked dough and nadughi, and malakhto made from green beans, walnuts, spices, and sour grape juice. Dairy products feature prominently in the cooking of mountain Adjara, while seafood reflects the city's coastal location. Batumi also has a strong wine tradition, with local grape varieties cultivated across Adjara. This combination of Black Sea ingredients and mountain cooking gives the city's food culture a distinct regional character.