Recognised as Europe’s Leading National Park by the World Travel Awards 2023, and as a distinguished member of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the European Route of Historic Gardens, the Batumi Botanical Garden is a unique blend of scientific significance and natural splendor. Stretching towards the sea on the slopes of the “Green Cape” (Mtsvane Kontskhi), its versatile landscapes offer an ideal setting for both high-profile MICE events and immersive nature tours.
History and Uniqueness
The Batumi Botanical Garden was not established by chance. The renowned botanist and geographer, Professor Andrey Krasnov, chose this site specifically because the region’s climate is unmatched anywhere else in the former empire. As the founder himself noted:
“In the Batumi coast, we possess, one might say, the only point in our country where it is possible to cultivate plants from regions as distant and distinct in nature as New Zealand, Chile, South-East Australia, the Himalayas, Japan, and Florida. What until now could only be grown in the heated greenhouses of the Imperial Botanical Garden can here be cultivated in the open air, across tens of hectares.”
Founded in the 1880s and officially opened in 1912, the garden stands as a testament to international collaboration. Krasnov worked in close cooperation with the French gardener D’Alphonse and the Georgian decorator Yason Gordeziani. Together, they laid the foundation for one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, which today spans approximately 110–113 hectares.
Thanks to this “subtropical paradise” envisioned by these great enthusiasts, we can now enjoy a global collection of flora that would require complex greenhouse conditions elsewhere.
Flora and Diversity
The garden is a gateway to diverse ecosystems, featuring nine distinct floristic sectors: the Caucasian humid subtropics, East Asia, New Zealand, South America, the Himalayas, Mexico, Australia, the Mediterranean, and North America. With a collection of 5,000 species—including 2,000 types of trees and 2,037 taxonomic units of ligneous plants—the landscape is a captivating journey through blooming plants, Japanese decorative gardens, and serene water pools.
Research and Facilities
Beyond its visual beauty, the garden serves as a major scientific hub. It houses a large library and an extensive herbarium with more than 48,000 specimens, documenting the garden’s rich botanical heritage. The site is fully equipped for professional needs, providing Wi-Fi connectivity and flexible event design options.
Visitor Experience
- Hours: Open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Accessibility: The grounds are fully adapted for visitors with disabilities.
- Services: Navigate the hilly terrain comfortably using electric cars. Visitors can purchase plants from the greenhouse and arrange guided tours in German, English, Russian, and Turkish.
Whether for a professional gathering or a peaceful walk overlooking the Black Sea, this botanical garden competes with the world’s finest and remains a true paradise for nature lovers.