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Batumi, Zviad Gamsakhurdia Street N12 / Merab Kostava Street N14
Brief Description of the Building:
Located at the intersection of two streets, this large three-story building, constructed in the early 19th century, originally housed the United Russian Bank and is one of the most distinguished examples of the Art Nouveau style in Batumi. It also once accommodated the Versailles Hotel, which was owned by Prince Nakashidze.
The building has an L-shaped plan, with a chamfered corner and a long main façade running along Z. Gamsakhurdia Street. On the Merab Kostava Street side, a tunnel entrance to the courtyard is located at the edge of the short façade.
Both façades are divided by risalits (projecting sections), which are topped with curved parapets. The building s entrances are located within these risalits. All three visible walls are decorated with horizontal bands. The window shapes vary on each floor, adding to the architectural richness.
The façades are lavishly adorned with sculptural decoration, including wrought-iron balcony railings, decorative brackets, elaborate floral friezes, and sculpted female heads. A colorful mosaic is placed beneath the cornice of the central risalit on the main façade.
The Art Nouveau ornamentation is executed with high craftsmanship. The building’s clearly defined layout and artistic composition are perfectly adapted to its prominent urban location. It stands as one of the finest examples of Batumi Art Nouveau.