How to Find Europe Square in Batumi
Europe Square is Batumi’s main square, a central spot for tourists, rallies, and cultural events. Unlike a traditional square where many streets converge, Europe Square is tucked away, with a high monument at its center that only appears as you turn a corner, creating an unexpected and captivating sight.
Coordinates: 41.651018, 41.636155
How to Get to Europe Square in Batumi
Europe Square is located in the Old Town. Since Old Batumi is relatively small, you can reach the square within 5-10 minutes on foot from any point within the district. If you’re staying near the New Boulevard in the high-rise area, walking will take around 30 minutes to an hour.
City buses don’t directly pass through the narrow streets leading to the square, so a taxi is the best option to arrive directly at the square. Nearby, though, you’ll find bus stops just 200 meters away.
- “Drama Theater” Stop: Bus numbers 1, 10, 10ა, 15
- “Circus” Stop: Bus numbers 3, 4, 7, 9, 9ა, 11, 13
There’s no dedicated parking nearby due to Old Town’s narrow streets. Some free parking spots are reserved for casino visitors, so keep this in mind when planning your visit.
What to See at Europe Square
The square itself is quite small—its sides are no more than 100 meters long. It is shaped by buildings housing various hotels and restaurants, including well-known chains.
Fast food options like McDonald’s and KFC are popular with tourists. For a more relaxed atmosphere, there’s the VK restaurant and the Aromi Italiani pizzeria.
In summer, a fountain operates in the center of the square, where kids love running under the streams of water, filling the area with cheerful laughter during the day.
Close to the square is a tower with multifunctional astronomical clocks. These clocks allow you to determine not only the time but also zodiac signs, moon phases, and much more.
One of Batumi’s landmark attractions is the statue of Medea, which I will describe separately.
Medea Statue
The statue, mounted on a monumental pedestal, frequently appears in tourist photos. In her hands, she holds a gilded ram’s fleece.
Medea is one of the main characters in the Argonauts myth. These were warriors from Ancient Greece who sailed on the ship Argo to Colchis in search of the Golden Fleece. The territory of present-day Adjara was part of Colchis, making the monument’s presence here quite fitting.
The Golden Fleece, a ram’s skin, was Colchis’s most sacred relic. King Aeëtes of Colchis guarded the sacred fleece vigilantly. However, the king’s daughter, Medea, fell in love with Jason, the Argonauts’ leader, and helped steal the fleece. She fled with her beloved and killed her brother who tried to pursue them.
Nevertheless, many remember her as a positive figure. This is primarily because she is considered the founder of medicine. In fact, the word “medicine” itself derives from the princess’s name.
The heroine of the Argonauts myth appeared in Batumi by coincidence. During Aslan Abashidze’s rule, a stele was erected with an eagle at its top – the symbol of the “Revival” party. After the Adjarian crisis of 2004, the eagle was removed, and discussions began about its replacement. Eventually, they found a ready-made statue of Medea by one of the sculptors and placed it on the existing pedestal.
It’s worth noting the monument’s somewhat unfortunate placement, considering the square’s size. To examine the stele with the statue, one must crane their neck significantly. And stepping back for a better view isn’t possible – the square is too small.
Since all the Old Town streets are densely lined with buildings, the statue isn’t visible from afar either. However, you can see it from the Upper Station of the Argo cable car, whose name references the same Argonauts myth.
Atmosphere
The square is attractive due to its modern architecture, despite the lack of traditional Georgian styles. Most buildings are designed in a European architectural style. You can spot beautiful stained-glass windows and recently restored facades of historical buildings.
This square is always bustling with people, making it a true tourist attraction. It’s lively both during the day, when the fountain is running, and at night, when the buildings around the square are illuminated with colorful lights.
Various events are held in the square. For concerts, a special stage is set up near the McDonald’s, while speakers at rallies can address crowds directly from the steps of the monument.
During market days, Memed Abashidze Street, filled with numerous stalls, is typically closed off. The city’s main Christmas tree, which has been a subject of humor in recent years, is also set up here.
Overall, Europe Square is a vibrant, lively tourist spot that adds a unique charm to the seaside city of Batumi.
History
In the pre-revolutionary period, a railway line passed directly through the area of the square, leading to the cargo port. This is why Nikoloz Baratashvili Street curves and turns behind the McDonald’s.
During the Soviet era, there was a typical cinema building here called “Tbilisi,” and, essentially, there was no formally established square.
Historical buildings have only been preserved along Memed Abashidze Street, although many of them have been built up with attics and additional floors. All the buildings forming the square on the seaside side appeared in this century.
The pink building hidden behind the trees served as the residence for the head of Adjara, Aslan Abashidze, in the early post-Soviet years, and now it houses the Constitutional Court of Georgia.
See you at Europe Square in Batumi, friends!
More about Batumi:
Statue of “Ali and Nino” in Batumi
Best hotels in the mountains of Georgia
Boni Market – the central food market in Batumi
Shekvetili Dendrological Park (48 km from Batumi)
Hello!
I am Victor, the founder of this site and its main, but not the only author.
Traveler and photographer. Visited more than 40 countries.
Born and raised in Batumi. I love to travel in Georgia.
More about me here.