Europe Square

The square is compact, surrounded by 19th–20th century buildings mixing European and Eastern architectural styles. Facades feature decorative ornaments and stained glass – a legacy of Batumi's multinational 19th century. The Medea statue dominates: a bronze figure of the Colchian princess on a massive pedestal, holding a golden fleece (coated with real gold). The pedestal is tall – the statue is best viewed from a distance.

On the facade of the former National Bank building (K. Gamsakhurdia St. 44) sits an astronomical clock – made in Germany in 2010, modeled after the Prague original. It displays time, moon phases, sun and planet positions, and sunrise/sunset times. An information board nearby explains how to read it.

In the center of the square is a fountain: in summer, children play in the water jets. In the evening, the fountain is illuminated and runs as a dancing show. The square is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Concerts and city celebrations are held here – on New Year's Eve, the square becomes Batumi's main gathering point.

Medea statue – bronze sculpture (2007) of the Colchian princess with a gilded Golden Fleece on a tall column

Astronomical clock – made in Germany (2010), displays moon phases, planet positions, sunrise and sunset times

Architecture – ensemble of 19th–20th century buildings with decorative facades, stained glass, and ornaments

Fountain – in the center of the square; a splash pad for children in summer, light-and-music show in the evening

Name – renamed in 1997 when Adjara joined the Assembly of European Regions

In the pre-revolutionary period, a railway line to the cargo port ran through the area where the square now sits. During the Soviet era, a cinema called 'Tbilisi' stood here, and the square did not formally exist. Historic buildings survive only along Memed Abashidze Street. In the post-Soviet period, under Aslan Abashidze's rule, a stele topped with an eagle – the symbol of his 'Revival' party – was erected on the square.

After the 2004 Adjarian crisis, the eagle was removed, and a ready-made statue of Medea by sculptor Davit Khmaladze was placed on the existing pedestal. The official unveiling took place on 6 July 2007 under President Saakashvili, as part of a program to develop Batumi as a Black Sea tourist hub. In 2010, the astronomical clock was installed on the former National Bank facade. Throughout the 2010s, the square underwent major renovation: updated landscaping, lighting, greenery, and spatial adaptations for large-scale events.

On foot in Batumi:

– From Batumi Boulevard – 5–10 minutes via Memed Abashidze Street, heading inland

– From Piazza Square – 5 minutes

– From Batumi Cathedral – 10 minutes

By bus:

Routes #1, 3, 10, 12, and 13 pass near the square (stops on Gorgiladze or Tavdadebuli Street). Fare: 0.50 GEL (~$0.20). Batumi buses don't show on Google Maps – ask the driver.

From Tbilisi (370 km, 5–6 hours):

– Train – from 25 GEL (~$9), 5 hours

– Shared minibus (marshrutka) from Didube – 35–40 GEL (~$13–15)

– Car rental

Time of day: Evening (after 7:00 PM) – building illumination and fountain are on, all cafes open. Daytime (12:00–3:00 PM) – hot in summer, but the astronomical clock and architectural details are best seen in daylight.

Season: May–October – warm, fountain running. In winter, the square has New Year's lighting (December–January).

Duration: 20–30 minutes for the square. Combine with Piazza Square (5 minutes) and the boulevard (10 minutes).

Avoid: During major concerts and events the square fills up – check the schedule at VisitBatumi if you want a quiet visit.