Batumi, Vaja-Pshavela Street N33
At the end of the 19th century, the Jewish community of Batumi petitioned the Russian Emperor Nicholas II for permission to build a synagogue in the city. In 1899, the district governor received official approval from the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Empire. In 1904, the Ashkenazi Jewish Synagogue in Batumi was solemnly inaugurated. It was built based on the design of architect S. Vulkovich.
The two-story stone building, plastered and painted white, stands slightly recessed from the street. The main façade, designed in a Moorish style, features prominently projecting risalits (vertical architectural elements) at both ends. In front of them are small verandas enclosed by fences, facing the street. The central part of the façade is dominated by a pointed arch inscribed over the entrance door, which is flanked by two half-columns. A wide ceremonial staircase leads up to the entrance.
The second-floor windows are distinctively horseshoe-shaped. The building is crowned with a battlemented cornice.
In 1929, the synagogue was closed, and for many years, various organizations occupied the building. In 1992, the Batumi Synagogue was restored and returned to the Jewish community.
The building is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished architectural monuments of its era and a fine example of its architectural style.
