Piazza Square (Batumi)

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Piazza Square is one of Batumi’s main tourist attractions. Yet, you could walk right past it without even realizing you were so close. This is because the square is artificial and hidden behind surrounding buildings. It occupies almost an entire block that once housed a school.


How to Find Piazza Square in Batumi

Piazza Square is located in the heart of Old Batumi. If you’re staying in the historic center, you can reach it within 5–10 minutes on foot. If you’re staying near the New Boulevard, the walk will take about an hour.

Coordinates: 41.649626, 41.641110

The square is surrounded by cobblestone streets with one-way traffic, where public transport does not operate. Therefore, the best way to reach the square directly is by taxi.

However, bus stops are only 300 meters away:

  • Gogebashvili Street, 26: Buses: 1, 10, 10ა, 15
  • Nikoloz Baratashvili Street, 26: Buses: 3, 4, 7, 9, 9ა, 11, 13

Keep in mind that there is no dedicated parking near Piazza Square, and finding a spot for your car nearby might be difficult.

You can enter the square from three sides. The widest entrance is on Tsar Parnavaz Street, near the Greek Church. Two smaller arches are located on Vakhtang Gorgasali Street and General Mazniashvili Street.


What to See at Piazza Square

The square is integrated into the city’s street grid, giving it a rectangular shape. If you enter from the church side, the hotel complex “Oleg Gologre” and the stage will be on your left, while the main open area of the square will stretch out to your right.

The total area of the square is less than 2,000 square meters — roughly equivalent to three standard suburban gardens of 600 square meters each.

Есть легенда, что если потереть пяточки мальчику, исполнится желание.

There’s a legend that if you rub the heels of the boy statue, your wish will come true.

Most of the square is occupied by tables from the cafes and restaurants lining its perimeter. During the tourist season, these are often packed. For example, near The Quiet Woman Pub, there’s a large screen showing live sports broadcasts.

Towering above the square is a clock tower, part of the Piazza Boutique Hotel, which features bells. These bells chime every hour during the day. Starting at noon, dancing figurines appear beneath the bells every three hours.


Insider Tip

The hotel building on the square has an accessible entrance. You can enter from the square, go upstairs (by elevator or stairs), and enjoy a cozy balcony with a great view of Piazza Square. It’s a perfect spot for photos! There’s also a restroom nearby.

During the tourist season, the square becomes a musical hub with concerts featuring live Adjara and Georgian music on the stage. In the off-season, music usually plays from a laptop, creating a special ambiance.

After rain, the square becomes particularly photogenic and is often empty.

In the center of the square is a large mosaic, which we will describe in detail separately.


 

Mosaic

At the center of Piazza Square lies a massive mosaic with a maritime theme. It is often noted as the largest mosaic artwork made of marble not only in Batumi, Adjara, or Georgia but in all of Europe. Naturally, it’s a modern creation, not a historical one. This piece was designed by Georgian-Swiss artist Natali Amirejibi.

The mosaic consists of 88,244,735 pieces, each measuring one square centimeter, combined into 1,764,895 segments. This information is displayed on a sign near the mosaic. Take a moment to read it in full—you’ll find proof of some laziness on the part of those responsible for installing the sign!

It’s difficult to fully appreciate the mosaic while standing on the square, so we recommend visiting the secret balcony described earlier.


Atmosphere

The first thing that captures your attention is the architecture: stunning stained-glass windows, intricate facades, and a cohesive style. Every restaurant offers unique dishes that showcase the best of Georgian cuisine. Piazza Square has certainly enhanced the historical part of Batumi.

During peak tourist season, the square is packed. If you prefer quiet corners to enjoy solitude and admire architecture, this is not the place for you. Piazza is a classic tourist hub in Batumi, with infrastructure tailored to its visitors.

Designed as a corner of Italy in Batumi, and given the large number of tourists, including many from Europe, the atmosphere here is truly European. It’s especially beautiful in the evening when the decorative lighting transforms the square into an even cozier space.


History of Piazza Square in Batumi

Piazza Square is not a unique concept. Many trace its “ancestors” to Venice, referencing St. Mark’s Square. While the Venetian style is evident, one quick glance at a photo of Piazza della Signoria in Florence reveals a striking resemblance. Georgian architect Vazha Orbeladze, the chief designer of Piazza Square, openly cited this as his inspiration.

The square was completed in 2010 and became a landmark in several ways. First, in terms of height—the Old Town previously lacked tall buildings like the tower on Piazza Square.

Second, along with Europe Square, it serves as a venue for cultural events. Notably, world-famous performers like Plácido Domingo and Michel Legrand have graced this square.

To create a cohesive ensemble, the facade of Batumi’s oldest surviving building, St. Nicholas Church, was redesigned. It now enhances the cityscape with its beautiful brickwork.


A Touching Symbol of Batumi

Another interesting attraction is located outside the square. Exit onto Vakhtang Gorgasali Street (opposite the church) and turn left. Look for House No. 10, a brick-clad building. In its attic windows, you’ll see small statues of boys playing flutes.

This house was built in the early 20th century for a pharmacist named Akinyan. Gusts of wind would fill the flutes, producing a sound reminiscent of the Armenian duduk, a traditional wind instrument. According to legend, when the wind blew from the sea, one boy’s flute played, and when it blew from the mountains, the other boy’s flute responded.

Mikheil Saakashvili was so inspired by this legend that similar statues of boys were added to Batumi Boulevard, becoming a symbol of the city.


See you at the wonderful Piazza Square in Batumi, friends!

More about Batumi and Georgia:

Best hotels in the mountains of Georgia

Souvenirs – what to bring from Georgia as a gift

Batumi Cable Car

The Best Adjarian Khachapuri in Batumi. Top 5 Places

Shekvetili Dendrological Park (48 km from Batumi)

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