Sameba Monastery: A Hidden Gem High Above Batumi

Now, this is a place we have been jonesing to visit since we moved here, and recently I got the chance. You see, my wife, daughter, and I had tried to visit the Sameba Monastery last fall. After a taxi ride to the top, we found that it was closed for the day. We took advantage of the situation by having a picnic lunch up top and then walking down through the neighborhood that straddles the hills high above Batumi

Yet, we had always wanted to return to see the church when it was open. When I was teaching, my students had told me about it and said it was worth the trip. So, we decided to try again, and this time we had quite an adventure!

If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the bustle of Batumi, the Sameba Monastery (also known as the Holy Trinity Church) is the perfect destination. Tucked high up in the hills overlooking the city, this Georgian Orthodox monastery offers stunning panoramic views, serene surroundings, and a taste of local religious heritage. And all of this is just a short ride away from the city center.

Our Unexpected Tesla Adventure

Our journey started with a failed attempt to catch a marshrutka, the local minibuses that usually go toward the outskirts of Batumi. After getting a bit lost trying to figure out which one to take, we eventually ordered a taxi on Bolt (the local rideshare app). To our surprise, we were upgraded to a sleek black Tesla. This was my first time riding in one, and what a ride it was!

As we ascended the steep hills and winding dirt roads, the driver grew visibly nervous. Near the top, while attempting to turn around, he accidentally backed into a building, damaging the structure, but thankfully not his car. He was visibly shaken and half-joked that it would be a sin not to give him more than the $3 the ride had cost. We gave him a tip, and soon a few other people approached him, hoping for a ride back into town. That ride alone made the trip memorable.

A Monastery in the Clouds

The Sameba Monastery is perched on a hill roughly 8 km from the city, making it accessible yet remote enough to feel like a true getaway. Unlike many tourist sites, there’s no fee to enter and no crowds to contend with. Only a couple of other visitors were there when we arrived, making the experience feel intimate and peaceful.

Photographs are not allowed inside the monastery. Some monasteries allow photos of the interiors (about half in my experience), so be sure to check. Sometimes you'll see people being sneaky and taking pictures anyway. As a guest, I feel that this is not something I personally want to do.

The interior is beautifully adorned with traditional Orthodox icons, and outside, the views of Batumi and the Black Sea are simply breathtaking. Surrounded by forested hills and mountain air, it’s a perfect place for reflection or quiet admiration.

Historical Significance

Sameba Monastery was built in the 1990s, making it relatively new compared to many of Georgia’s ancient churches. Despite its age, it follows traditional Georgian ecclesiastical architecture, with stone walls, arched windows, and a domed roof. It serves as a functioning religious site and is important to the local Christian Orthodox community.

The Descent: Still an Adventure

Rather than call another taxi, we decided to hike down, retracing our path back to the nearest marshrutka stop. It was a scenic, peaceful walk, though a bit challenging at times due to steep terrain. We waited at a stop for about half an hour, hoping to catch a marshrutka back into town, but none came. Eventually, we found our way back, but the return trip was part of what made the day so unforgettable.

How to Get There

• By Taxi: The easiest and most comfortable option is to take a Bolt taxi from the city center (expect to pay about $3-5). Be aware that the roads get rough near the top.

• By Marshrutka: Some marshrutkas pass near the area, but stops are not well-marked and can be confusing for non-locals.

• By Hike: For the adventurous, hiking to the monastery from the lower village is possible and scenic, but steep.

Final Thoughts

Sameba Monastery is one of those places that captures the spirit of Georgia, a place that is beautiful, spiritual, and a little wild. Whether you're seeking silence, panoramic views, or just an off-the-beaten-path experience, it's absolutely worth the journey.

Just be ready for a few surprises along the way.