Piazza Square

Piazza Square is a 5,700 m² architectural complex in the heart of Old Batumi, designed by Georgian architect Vazha Orbeladze and inspired by Florence's Piazza della Signoria. Opened in 2010, the enclosed courtyard is lined with stained-glass facades, mosaic-covered buildings, and a clock tower that evokes an Italian piazza.

The square sits on King Parnavaz Street, a 5-minute walk from Europe Square and 15 minutes from Batumi Boulevard. Buses 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 stop on Gogebashvili Street – 5 minutes on foot from there.

Admission is free; the square is open 24/7. Cafés and restaurants stay open late into the night. Sightseeing takes 20–30 minutes, but most visitors linger for 1–2 hours over food and live music.

Location

On the Map

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About

What's Here

Piazza is an enclosed courtyard surrounded by neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance facades. The walls feature colorful stained-glass windows by Dolores Hoffman. The dominant structure is the clock tower – the tallest building in the Old Town – housing a restaurant and boutique hotel. The ground is cobblestone, and arched galleries around the perimeter are lined with outdoor café tables.

At the centre lies a figurative marble mosaic spanning 106 m², designed by Georgian-Swiss artist Natalia Amirejibi de Pita. The mosaic consists of 88,244,735 tiles, each 1 cm², assembled into 1,764,895 segments. Materials were sourced from 15 countries. The maritime theme – waves, mythological figures – references Batumi's Black Sea heritage.

Daytime brings a quiet courtyard café atmosphere with souvenir stalls. After dark, decorative lighting comes on and live music fills the square – jazz, Adjaran folk, covers. In summer, concerts run nightly. The square has hosted Plácido Domingo, Sting, and Michel Legrand. On summer weekends the piazza is packed and finding a free table is difficult.

Why Visit

The Highlights

Area – 5,700 m², the largest architectural complex in Old Batumi

Mosaic – 106 m² of marble, 88 million tiles from 15 countries, Europe's largest figurative mosaic

Architect – Vazha Orbeladze, inspired by Piazza della Signoria (Florence)

Stained glass – colorful windows by German artist Dolores Hoffman

Concerts – hosted Plácido Domingo, Sting, Michel Legrand

Opened – 2010, construction completed in one year

History

Past & Present

Piazza Square was built in 2009–2010 as part of a large-scale renovation of Old Batumi. Architect Vazha Orbeladze envisioned the complex as "a corner of Italy" – an enclosed courtyard with Italian Renaissance–style facades, integrated into the historic fabric of the neighbourhood. To create a cohesive ensemble, the facade of the adjacent St. Nicholas Church was redesigned in neo-Gothic brickwork. The mosaic was assembled in Abu Dhabi and shipped to Batumi in pieces – installation took just 10 days.

Since opening in 2010, the square has become Batumi's main cultural and entertainment venue. It regularly hosts concerts, festivals, and Sunday artisan markets. During peak season, stalls selling handicrafts and designer goods operate daily. The complex includes the Piazza Boutique Hotel, several Georgian and European restaurants, cafés, and nightclubs.

For Visitors

Visitor Information

Tickets & Prices

Free admission. The square is a public space open 24/7. You only pay at cafés and restaurants. Average bill at the square's restaurants: 40–80 GEL (~$15–30 / €14–27) for two.

Rules & Restrictions

No special restrictions. Photography permitted without limitations. The square is pedestrianised – no vehicle access. Noise levels are high at night due to live music and clubs – factor this in if booking accommodation nearby.

On-Site Facilities

On the square:

Restaurants and cafés (Georgian, European, Japanese cuisine)

Toilets in restaurants (for patrons)

Souvenir shops

Parking: No dedicated parking. Nearest spaces on Gogebashvili Street and adjacent lanes. Parking is difficult in season – walk or take a taxi.

Wi-Fi: Free in cafés. 4G works reliably.

Accessibility: The square is flat, with no steps. Accessible for wheelchairs and visitors with limited mobility.

Getting There

Transport & Directions

On foot from central Batumi:

From Europe Square – 5 minutes along King Parnavaz Street.

From Batumi Boulevard – 10–15 minutes.

By bus:

Routes 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 – stop on Gogebashvili Street, then 5 minutes on foot. Fare: 0.30 GEL (~$0.10).

By taxi:

Bolt from anywhere in Batumi – 3–7 GEL (~$1–3).

From Batumi Airport (15 km):

Taxi – 15–20 GEL (~$6–8), 15–20 minutes.

When to go

Best time to visit

Season: Open year-round. Summer (May–September) brings daily live music and festivals. In winter some outdoor cafés close, but the square remains accessible.

Time of day: Evening (after 7 PM) – decorative lighting, live music, peak atmosphere. Morning (before 10 AM) – quiet and ideal for photos.

Duration: 20–30 minutes for sightseeing. 1–2 hours with dinner.

Avoid: Weekend evenings in July–August – the square is packed and restaurant tables fill up fast. Book ahead.