The Sameba Church in the suburb of Salibauri probably has the best view not only in Batumi but even in all Adjara. The church stands on one of the two hills that can be seen from the riverfront while the other hill receives the Argo cable car. The church, as with most of the structures in Batumi, is relatively new, though there was an earlier church here destroyed some centuries ago by an earthquake.
Sameba was built in 2015 with funding from Shalva Breus, a Batumi native and Russian businessman. The view from the Church is simply breathtaking and fully makes up for the 20-minute trip from Batumi’s center. The trip can be done in a circular way by ascending from the side of Shindisi and Maiakovski Streets and descending via the other road from the church. It should be especially interesting for bikers as it involves a moderate ascent, scenic views, beautiful villages, an architectural site, and a 20 kilometer route that doesn’t involve going back the same way.
A hidden gem is a nearby remnant of the Russian-Turkish wars: just next to the church there is a defense fortification that was built before World War I and used by the Russian Army to defend against the Turks. There are some more remnants further up but only visible from the church next to where nuns live. These are also fortifications but a remnant from the Soviet time and they were built on the foundation of fortifications built by the legendary Tsarist military officer Kondratenko, who was a distinguished commander during the 1905 Russo-Japanese war.
Getting There: Marshutkas on the Sameba Salibauri route depart from behind Batumi Plaza (Tsereteli St.) at 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, 17:30, 19:30 (0.20 EUR). Taxis, depending on your negotiation skills, can do a roundtrip with waiting time for 7 EUR; best would be to take one through Maxim Services.
For tea-reading click here
http://www.voskres.ru/army/spirit/kondrat.htm
