Ali and Nino Statue
A mesmerizing kinetic sculpture on Batumi's waterfront, symbolizing a tragic love story against cultural divides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the sculpture move
Ali and Nino Statue
Best Time
See the sculpture move
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mesmerizing kinetic sculpture on Batumi's waterfront, symbolizing a tragic love story against cultural divides.
"The Ali and Nino statue was definitely worth seeing—it’s beautiful and the movement is fascinating."
📸 Capture the Motion
Film the statue's movement; it's a key part of its appeal!
📏 Manage Size Expectations
It's smaller than it looks in photos, but still beautiful.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Kinetic Sculpture
Batumi Boulevard
Witness the mesmerizing movement of Ali and Nino as they embrace and then separate, symbolizing their tragic love story.
Waterfront Ambiance
Black Sea coast
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Batumi Boulevard, with cafes, boat rides, and sea views surrounding the statue.
Symbol of Eternal Love
Batumi, Georgia
Experience a poignant representation of love transcending religious and cultural divides, inspired by a classic novel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Moving Sculpture
Manage Expectations on Size
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Motion
Film the statue's movement; it's a key part of its appeal!
📏 Manage Size Expectations
It's smaller than it looks in photos, but still beautiful.
🛥️ Enjoy a Boat Ride
Rent a boat nearby for stunning sea views of the coastline.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boulevard
The area is lively with cafes and activities.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Motion
Film the statue's movement; it's a key part of its appeal!
📏 Manage Size Expectations
It's smaller than it looks in photos, but still beautiful.
🛥️ Enjoy a Boat Ride
Rent a boat nearby for stunning sea views of the coastline.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boulevard
The area is lively with cafes and activities.
💰 Be Aware of Beggars
Some visitors note persistent flower sellers or beggars.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Ali and Nino Statue's unique kinetic art and its poignant symbolism of love. While some find the sculpture smaller than expected, its movement and the lively waterfront setting of Batumi Boulevard are consistently praised. The area offers a fun atmosphere with cafes and boat rides, though occasional encounters with beggars can slightly mar the experience.
"Love it
The sculpture is across the river where lots of activities take place
Boating, playing games, rides or eating ice-cream it's ur choice.
The vibe is of fun n it feels ur in a fair."
shubhra sareen
"The Ali and Nino statue was definitely worth seeing—it’s beautiful and the movement of the sculpture is fascinating. However, it wasn’t as big as it looks in the pictures, which was a bit surprising. The only downside was the presence of some beggars and people constantly trying to sell flowers, which slightly affected the experience. We also rented a boat nearby for 150 GEL, which was a nice addition to the visit and allowed us to enjoy the sea views from a different perspective."
Mirbaghir Baghirzada
"A Unique Landmark with a Memorable Vibe
The Ali and Nino statue is a must-see while in Batumi — its slow, graceful motion tells a powerful story and adds a poetic feel to the waterfront. While the sculpture appears larger in photos, it’s still quite captivating in person and beautifully crafted.
The area around the statue is lively, though it can get a bit crowded with people offering flowers or asking for money, which slightly took away from the calmness of the experience. That said, renting a nearby boat for 150 GEL was a great choice. It gave us a peaceful escape and a stunning view of the coastline from the sea, adding something special to the visit."
Kasra Shafiee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ali and Nino Statue is located on Batumi Boulevard, along the Black Sea coast. It's easily accessible by foot if you're staying in the city center, or you can take a taxi or local bus to the boulevard area. Many visitors enjoy walking along the promenade to reach it.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the statue, there are parking areas along Batumi Boulevard. However, walking or using public transport is often more convenient due to the popularity of the area.
Yes, several local buses run along the Batumi Boulevard route, making it easy to reach the statue via public transport. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to view the Ali and Nino Statue. It's a public monument located in an open area, making it freely accessible to everyone.
The statue is accessible at all times as it is located in a public space. However, to see the kinetic movement and enjoy the surrounding atmosphere, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
The statue is designed to move periodically throughout the day. While it's a kinetic sculpture, its movement is not constant but occurs in cycles, adding to its unique appeal.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Ali and Nino Statue is inspired by the 1937 novel of the same name by Kurban Said. It depicts the tragic love story of Ali Khan Shirvanshir, a Muslim boy from Azerbaijan, and Nino Kipiani, a Christian girl from Georgia, whose love is challenged by war and cultural differences.
The statue is approximately 8 meters (26 feet) tall. Some visitors note that it appears smaller in person than in photographs.
Visiting during daylight hours allows you to see the statue's movement clearly and enjoy the scenic waterfront. Sunset can also offer a beautiful backdrop.
Yes, the statue is located on Batumi Boulevard, which offers a lively atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, amusement rides, and opportunities for boat rentals.
Absolutely! The moving sculpture and the Black Sea backdrop make for excellent photo opportunities. Capturing the statue in motion is particularly rewarding.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Batumi Boulevard is lined with numerous cafes and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. You can find options ranging from local Georgian dishes to international fare.
Batumi offers a diverse culinary scene. You can enjoy traditional Georgian dishes like Khachapuri and Khinkali, as well as fresh seafood and international options available at the many eateries along the boulevard.
📸 📸 Photography
Experiment with different angles to capture the statue's movement and its interaction with the sea. Photos from the front, side, and even from a boat can offer unique perspectives.
Drone regulations can vary, so it's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone in Batumi. However, many stunning videos of the statue have been captured from ground level and nearby boats.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for photographs of the statue and the surrounding coastline. Daylight hours are best for capturing the movement clearly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The surrounding Batumi Boulevard is also a great place for kids, with plenty of space to run around, amusement rides, and opportunities for fun activities like boat rentals.While the romantic story might be complex for younger children, the visual spectacle of the moving metal figures is captivating. Parents can use the visit as a chance to introduce themes of love and overcoming challenges in a simplified way. Be mindful of potential crowds and the presence of street vendors, which might require keeping a close eye on children.
💖 Couples and Romantics
+1 The waterfront setting on Batumi Boulevard adds to the romantic ambiance, especially during sunset.Consider renting a boat for a private moment on the sea, offering stunning views of the coastline and a unique perspective of the monument.
📸 Photographers and Art Enthusiasts
+1 The interplay of light on the steel sculpture, particularly during golden hour, can create dramatic and beautiful images.Beyond the statue itself, the surrounding Batumi Boulevard offers diverse photographic elements, from the sea and coastline to the lively street scenes. Experimenting with different angles, including shots from nearby boats, can yield truly memorable and artistic photographs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Tamara Kvesitadze
+1 This dynamic movement is central to its artistic expression and narrative power.Kvesitadze's inspiration stems directly from Kurban Said's novel, 'Ali and Nino.' The sculpture visually interprets the novel's themes of love, separation, and the clash of cultures. The slow, deliberate motion of the figures is intended to evoke the emotional journey of the protagonists, making the statue a powerful symbol of their enduring, yet ultimately tragic, love story.
+1The sculpture was initially created for the Venice Biennial before finding its permanent home in Batumi. Its engineering and artistic execution have garnered international attention, highlighting Kvesitadze's innovative approach to public art and monumental sculpture.
The Story Behind the Sculpture
Their love blossoms against a backdrop of cultural differences and the tumultuous political landscape of the time, including World War I and the Russian Revolution.The narrative explores the challenges they face due to their differing religions and the societal pressures that threaten to keep them apart. Despite their deep affection and eventual marriage, their love story is marked by separation, conflict, and ultimately, tragedy. Ali is killed defending his homeland, leaving Nino to raise their child alone.
Tamara Kvesitadze's sculpture captures this essence of their relationship – the yearning, the embrace, and the inevitable parting. The kinetic nature of the statue, where the figures move towards and through each other, powerfully symbolizes the enduring connection and the insurmountable obstacles they faced.
+1Experiencing Batumi Boulevard
Visitors can enjoy a variety of leisure activities, including boat rides on the sea, which provide a unique perspective of the coastline and the statue from the water.
While the boulevard is a fantastic place to explore, some visitors have noted the presence of people offering flowers or asking for money, which can occasionally detract from the tranquility. However, the overall vibe is one of fun and entertainment, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
Social
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