Europe Square

Europe Square serves as the civic anchor and architectural centerpiece of Batumi, situated in the city's charming Old Boulevard quarter. Named to celebrate Adjara's integration into the Assembly of European Regions, the square underwent extensive revitalization in the mid-2000s, turning it into an open-air showcase of eclectic design. Ornate late-19th and early-20th-century residences built during Batumi's oil-boom heyday sit harmoniously beside modern neoclassical towers, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of grand Central European town squares.

Dominating the skyline is the soaring monument to Medea, sculpted by Georgian artist David Khmaladze and unveiled in 2007. The statue represents the myth of the Golden Fleece, symbolizing ancient Colchis and its enduring civilizational bridge between the Caucasus and the West. In addition to the grand monument, the square is famous for the intricate Astronomical Clock mounted on the restored National Bank building tower, which calculates the position of the sun, moon phases, and zodiac constellations. Today, Europe Square remains a lively social hub where locals gather for evening promenades, children play around the choreographed fountains, and open-air concerts animate the balmy Black Sea nights.

Reasons to Visit

• Admire the striking 130-meter-tall column topped with the gilded bronze statue of Princess Medea holding the Golden Fleece.
• Observe the functioning Astronomical Clock, which provides astronomical and astrological data alongside standard time.
• Enjoy the evening illumination and choreographed dancing water fountains that bring the plaza to life after sundown.
• Relax at open-air terrace cafés offering prime people-watching spots and authentic Georgian coffee and wine.
• Experience a central gateway location within easy walking distance of the Black Sea Boulevard and Batumi Piazza.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid stepping onto wet stone surfaces immediately surrounding the jet fountains, as smooth tiles can become slippery.
• Do not exchange money with unofficial street money-changers; use the licensed exchange offices located on Memed Abashidze Avenue.
• Avoid planning an outdoor visit without checking the rain forecast, as Batumi is known for sudden subtropical downpours.
• Do not rely exclusively on large foreign banknotes; keep smaller Georgian Lari bills for street vendors and small purchases.

Local Transportation Tips

Europe Square is located in central Old Batumi and is best explored on foot. For travelers arriving from other quarters of the city, several municipal bus routes (including Bus 1, 10, and 15) stop along Rustaveli Avenue or Baratashvili Street, just a short two-minute walk from the plaza. Bicycle rentals are readily available through the citywide Batumvelo bike-share system, with docking stations located nearby along the Seaside Boulevard. Rideshare apps like Bolt provide quick, transparently priced rides throughout the metropolitan area.

Travel Etiquette

• Dress comfortably and casually; the square is a relaxed civic space with no strict dress code requirements.
• Respect street performers and musicians by offering a modest tip if you stop to watch their performances.
• Keep the public plaza clean by disposing of plastic bottles and snack wrappers in the designated municipal bins.
• Exercise common courtesy when taking photos, avoiding blocking pathways or photographing local families without permission.

Recommended Age Group

Europe Square is a welcoming, pedestrianized public environment suitable for visitors of all generations.

• Babies (0-2 years): Recommended. Smooth paved surfaces make navigating with a stroller effortless, and open spaces provide quiet zones away from street traffic.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children enjoy watching the dancing water fountains, running across the wide open plaza, and viewing the mythological Medea monument.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Excellent photography angles, proximity to trendy dessert spots, and fast-paced urban atmosphere appeal to teenagers.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Ideal for architecture appreciation, cultural exploration, and savoring local wine at nearby outdoor terraces.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The terrain is flat, with abundant shaded benches, clean pathways, and level pedestrian crossings throughout.

Accessibility Level: High

• The entire square is completely flat with smooth stone and concrete paving, offering level step-free navigation.
• Curbs leading from Memed Abashidze Avenue and surrounding streets feature integrated pedestrian ramp cuts.
• Shaded bench seating is distributed generously around the square's perimeter for resting.
• Wheelchair-accessible cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating line the edges of the plaza.

Did You Know?

The Medea monument on Europe Square cost approximately 3 million Georgian Lari to construct and was formally inaugurated in 2007 to honor the historical link between the ancient Georgian kingdom of Colchis and ancient European classical civilization.

Cool Statistics

• The central Medea monument rises to a height of approximately 40 meters (130 feet) above the square.
• The Astronomical Clock on the square chimes melodic bells on every hour and half-hour.
• The square is located less than 400 meters from the Black Sea shoreline and Batumi Boulevard.