Dropping by the coastal city of Poti en route to Batumi was one of the best decisions during my journey across Georgia. An important trade hub since the early times, Poti is home to many firsts, be it Georgia’s first lighthouse or its first railway.
Upon arrival in Poti, I was welcomed by the brilliant blue skies. The city is known by its nickname ‘Little Paris’ among the locals, thanks to its beautiful architecture.
Wandering through the city, I stumbled across the remnants of a bygone era. Scattered throughout the streets were Soviet-era apartment buildings with their faded facades and balconies. The buildings looked strikingly identical.
At the heart of Poti stood an iconic momunent dedicated to Saint Tsotne Dadiani, a revered 13th-century prince and military leader. During his time, the Mongol invaders oppressed the Georgian people by levying heavy taxes and introducing compulsory military service. Saint Tsotne Dadiani organized a rebellion by assembling his troops to fight the Mongols. But the Mongols discovered this plan through their spies and arrested the Georgian soldiers and ruthlessly tortured them.
Upon learning of their fate, Tsotne Dadiani took responsibility for the rebellion and voluntarily went to the Mongols to face punishment. In a remarkable display of courage, Tsotne lay down beside his condemned countrymen, refusing to abandon them. His selfless act moved the Mongols, and all the prisoners were freed.
Just like Tbilisi, Poti also featured a striking statue of a woman proudly holding a sword.
Poti is rich in the arts, a testament to this is the Poti State Drama Theatre. The theatre was established in 1882, an important era when theater served as a medium for awakening the Georgian national identity.
Outside it was a bust of the celebrated Georgian playright Valerian Gunia, after whom the theatre was eventually renamed.
The nearby House of Justice building looked straight out of a sci-fi film.
A must-see landmark in the city is the breathtaking Poti Cathedral. Built in 1906 in the Neo-Byzantine architectural style, this Georgian Orthodox cathedral is a replica of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.
As I entered the hallowed halls of the Poti Cathedral, a profound sense of spirituality enveloped me like a warm embrace.
The altar housed three iconostases featuring the icons of St. Nino, St. Andrew, and St. David the Builder.
Serene silence filled the interiors, the scent of incense lingering in the air. People were praying, seeking solace in God. Reminding that, even in a world filled with distractions, there is still beauty in stillness.
A lady inside the stunning Poti Cathedral warmly greeted me with a traditional Georgian welcome “Gamarjoba.”
It was interesting to learn that the cathedral was repurposed as a theatre during the Soviet era of religious suppression. The church was restored to its former glory after independence.
Next to the church was the Poti Central Park, a sprawling park filled with lush trees, vibrant flowers, and well-manicured lawns, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Guarding the gateway to the park stood a sturdy war cannon. It is likely that it was used in one of the Soviet wars.
Every building in Poti had a story to tell. Like this clock tower, which was once part of a 16th-century fort. In 1896, it was renewed by the then mayor.
My final stop for the day was the Poti Lighthouse, a stunning structure that stands proudly along the coast, guiding ships safely through the Black Sea.
The history goes that the cast-iron lighthouse was constructed in England and transported by steamship to Georgia in 1864.
I proceeded to climb the 153-step winding staircase that spiraled all the way up to the top of the lighthouse was a pulsating experience. Each step brought me closer to breathtaking panoramic view of the coastline.
On reaching the top, the vast expanse of the sea greeted me with its azure waters. Gazing at the sea was calming to the senses.
Finally, it was time to bid farewell to this wonderful place. Despite being a fleeting visit of just one day, my time in Poti was nothing short of extraordinary.
From the grand church to the towering lighthouse to the serene park, every place held something uniquely captivating.
A Georgian sign in the Central Park said, “I Love Poti.” These words capture my own sentiment for this enchanting city.
