The architecture of the city was designed by European architects in the 19th century when Batumi became a port city called “Porto Franco” (free port).
The architecture of the city was designed by European architects in the 19th century when Batumi became a port city called “Porto Franco” (free port). For that reason the city is home to diverse cultures and religions, where Christian Orthodox, Catholic and Armenian churches, mosques and synagogues have lived in harmony throughout the centuries.