Europe Square in Batumi – a statue of Medea, an astronomical clock, and the heart of the old town

Europe Square is a public space — entry is completely free, no tickets needed. The square is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The square sits in the heart of Batumi's Old Town, on Memed Abashidze Avenue, about a 400-metre walk from the seafront boulevard. From most central hotels, you can walk here easily. By taxi from the airport, allow around 15–20 minutes. If you're driving, parking near the square is paid and fills up fast in summer — it's easier to park near the Ali and Nino monument on the seafront and walk from there.

Four things stand out: the bronze statue of Medea holding the golden fleece on a tall white column; the astronomical clock on the tower of the former National Bank; the ground fountain in the centre, where jets of water shoot up through the paving stones; and the monument to Memed Abashidze. The surrounding buildings are built in various European styles — neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Italian Renaissance — with towers, spires, and stained-glass windows.

Medea was the daughter of the king of Colchis, an ancient kingdom that once occupied what is now western Georgia. According to Greek mythology, she helped the hero Jason steal the golden fleece from a sacred grove, then fled with him on the ship Argo. The statue represents Georgia's ancient ties to European civilisation — the Argonauts sailed here. The bronze monument was designed by architect David Khmaladze and unveiled on 6 July 2007. The column and figure together stand around 40 metres tall. The fleece, crown, and pedestal details are covered in gold leaf.

The clock is mounted on the tower of the former National Bank of Georgia, facing the square. Installed in 2011 and built in Germany, it shows more than just the time: it also displays the phases of the Moon, the position of the Sun, zodiac constellations, and the horizon and meridian lines. The clock chimes every hour and every half-hour. There's an information panel at the base of the tower explaining how to read the dial in Georgian, English, and Russian — it's worth stopping to look, as the clock face is hard to decode without it.

The square is worth visiting twice. During the day, the architecture is easier to appreciate and the light is better for photos. In the evening, the illuminated buildings, working fountain, and street musicians create a completely different atmosphere. For fewer crowds, come before 10am. In summer, midday heat from noon to 5pm can be uncomfortable — there is very little shade on the square.

The fountain runs only in the warmer months — roughly May through October — and is switched off in winter. In December and January, the square becomes one of Batumi's busiest spots: the city's main Christmas tree goes up here, a holiday market sells mulled wine and crafts, and New Year's Eve brings concerts and fireworks.

Yes to all three. In summer, children love running through the fountain jets to cool off, and there are snack options nearby including ice cream, KFC, and McDonald's. Dogs on leads are welcome, though mornings are quieter if your pet is sensitive to crowds. The square is fully accessible for wheelchair users: flat paving, gentle ramps, and accessible parking nearby.

Regularly. In summer, the square hosts open-air concerts with capacity for up to 50,000 spectators — Andrea Bocelli and José Carreras have performed here in past years. City festivals and street performances run throughout the warm season. In winter there are Christmas and New Year concerts. For specific event listings, check the Batumi municipality website or local Telegram channels.

There are dozens of options around the square — Georgian restaurants serving khachapuri and khinkali, an Italian restaurant right on the square that gets good reviews from visitors, plus KFC and McDonald's. Prices are slightly above the Batumi average, as expected in a central tourist area.

To see the main sights — the Medea statue, astronomical clock, fountain, and surrounding buildings — allow 30–40 minutes. Add a coffee or a meal at one of the nearby cafés and plan for 1.5–2 hours. The square is a natural starting point for a walk through Old Batumi: Piazza Square, the seafront boulevard, and the Alphabetic Tower are all within easy walking distance.

Within walking distance: Piazza Square — Batumi's Italian-inspired architectural quarter, 5 minutes away; Theatre Square with the Neptune Fountain and Drama Theatre; the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin; the Alphabetic Tower; the seafront and Batumi Boulevard (around 10 minutes on foot); the Argo Cable Car; and Batumi Circus.