Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God
The Batumi Cathedral, also known as the Church of the Holy Mother Virgin Nativity, holds the status of a cultural heritage monument. In the 19th century, philanthropist and entrepreneur Stepane Zubalashvili invited artists and architects from Italy to build the church in memory of his mother.
The church was constructed between 1898 and 1903. Originally designed in the Neo-Gothic style, it was built as a Catholic church. It is said that the church was the dream of Zubalashvili’s mother, Elisabed. Before her death, she made a heartfelt request to her son to build a "holy temple in Batumi" in remembrance of her soul. The total cost of construction reached 250,000 rubles.
Did you know that...
1. During the Soviet era, the church was closed and repurposed for various functions, including use as a high-voltage laboratory and an archive.
2. In 1970, the church building underwent repairs.
3. In 1980, the church was handed over to the Georgian Orthodox Church.
4. On May 16, 1989, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, consecrated the Church of the Virgin Mary in Batumi and baptized approximately 5,000 people.
