Lighthouse Description and History

(Text extracted from nomination form submitted by Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia, Georgia, 2025)

The Poti Lighthouse, manufactured on 1862  by English engineers of Easton Amos and Sons in London, assembled together and bolted  in Poti, Black sea shore at the estuary of river Rioni.

• Location: Poti, Georgia
• Coordinates: 42°07.99’N, 41°39.67’E
• Height: 36.6 meters
• Visibility Range: 17 nautical miles
• Material: Cast iron, weighing 126 tons
• Manufactured:Easton Amos and Sons Engineers, in London

Cylindrical cast iron construction inside, a spiral staircase of 160 iron steps leads to the optical chamber, originally lit by a wick lamp and Fresnel lens, now powered by electricity.

British engineers spent six months in Poti assembling the lighthouse, using bolts and nuts, its 126-ton cast iron construction  – no welding required. Inside, a spiral staircase of 160 steps  leads  to the optical chamber, originally lit by a wick lamp and Fresnel lens, now powered by electricity and visible from 17 nautical miles away.

Lighthouse was launched on November 1, 1864 and it serves since that time up to date.

Reason For Nomination

(Text extracted from nomination form submitted by Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia, Georgia, 2025)

Intrinsic Heritage Interest of the Lighthouse

Poti lighthouse timeless symbol of Poti. Manufactured in 1862 by an English engineering company, the Poti Lighthouse stands as the oldest and tallest lighthouse on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, rising nearly 38 meters above sea level. Constructed from prefabricated cast-iron segments manufactured in the United Kingdom and transported by sea for on-site assembly, it represents a remarkable example of 19th-century industrial engineering and maritime innovation.

Unlike traditional stone lighthouses, its cylindrical cast-iron structure reflects cutting-edge design techniques of the era, demonstrating Britain’s leadership in lighthouse construction during the height of global maritime trade. For over 160 years, it has served as the principal navigational beacon for vessels approaching Poti Port, one of Georgia’s most strategically important harbors. Beyond its enduring practical function, Poti Lighthouse is recognized as a cultural and historical landmark. Its commanding presence on the coastline not only symbolizes Georgia’s long-standing maritime heritage but also connects the Black Sea region to the broader history of international maritime engineering.

An intriguing story surrounds the construction of Poti Lighthouse. When the cast-iron structure was delivered from England and assembled on-site in 1862, the English engineers and workers would spend their breaks playing football near the construction site. This was long before the sport was known in Georgia. Local residents, curious about the unusual game, gathered to watch, and in this way, Poti is believed to have witnessed the very first football matches ever played on Georgian soil. The lighthouse thus not only became a beacon for ships at sea but also a symbol of the early cultural exchanges between Georgia and Europe.

Poti lighthouse is also touristic attraction of Poti, drawing a lot of visitors from all over the world.

Today, the Poti Lighthouse is managed by the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia. It continues to guide ships safely since 1864  up to date.

There is another story that highlights not only the lighthouse’s navigational importance but also its strategic role in protecting Poti during turbulent times. In 1942, during World War II, the lighthouse keeper Mr.Ivanidze spotted a mysterious black vessel approaching the shore from the top balcony of the lighthouse. Recognizing the potential threat, he immediately transmitted the information to the Air Force, which promptly intercepted and bombed the vessel, preventing a possible attack on the lighthouse and the surrounding port area.

Conservation

Modernization: From the beginning the lighthouse was whitewashed but later according to navigational standards in was painted into red and white strips.

The original wick lamp and Fresnel lens have been replaced with electric lighting, maintaining international standards for visibility and safety.

Lighthouse is repainted every  4 years.

Protection During Conflict: During World War II, the lighthouse was nearly endangered but was saved by watchful lighthouse keeper, Mr. Ivanidze, who alerted authorities to a suspicious object in the sea. His actions helped preserve the structure from potential damage.

Alternative Uses and Cultural Role

Beyond its navigational function, the Poti Lighthouse has evolved into a vibrant cultural and touristic hub.

Event Venue: The lighthouse courtyard hosts films, theatrical performances, and marine-themed exhibitions, drawing locals and visitors alike.

Symbol of the City: It has become a visual and emotional emblem of Poti, featured in art, literature, and local storytelling.

Public Access and Education

Here’s a detailed overview of the efforts made to facilitate public access to the Poti Lighthouse and educate the public about its heritage and the broader context of maritime navigation:

Public Access and Engagement

The Poti Lighthouse, one of Georgia’s oldest and most iconic maritime structures, has transitioned from a purely functional navigational aid into a vibrant cultural and educational site. Several initiatives have been undertaken to make it more accessible and engaging for the public:

Visiting the lighthouse is free of charge.

The lighthouse courtyard is regularly opened to the public, allowing locals and tourists to explore the grounds and appreciate its architectural and historical significance.

• Guided visits and informal tours are occasionally organized, especially during cultural events and festivals.

 Hosting Cultural Events

• The site has become a venue for films, theatrical performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings, drawn in diverse audiences and encouraging exploration of its history.
• These events often incorporate maritime themes, helping visitors connect with the lighthouse’s original purpose and legacy.

Educational Outreach

Efforts to educate the public about the heritage of the Poti Lighthouse and the broader system of aids to navigation include:

• Informational signage and displays provide historical context about the lighthouse’s construction, its British engineering origins, and its evolution over time.
• Exhibits often highlight the role of lighthouses in global maritime safety and the technological advancements in navigation.

School and University Collaborations

• Educational institutions in Georgia have partnered with maritime agencies to organize field trips, lectures, and research projects focused on the lighthouse and hydrographic services.
• Students learn about the science of navigation, the importance of coastal safety, and the historical role of lighthouses in trade and defence.

 Digital Storytelling

• Online platforms and social media are used to share archival photos, legends, and educational content about the lighthouse.

Connecting to the Wider Context

The Poti Lighthouse is presented not just as a local landmark, but as part of a global network of navigational aids:

• Managed by the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia  the lighthouse is integrated into modern systems of maritime safety, including electronic navigation and coastal monitoring.
• Public outreach emphasizes the importance of lighthouses, buoys, and beacons in ensuring safe passage for vessels worldwide.

Other Reasons Why the Nominated Lighthouse Would Promote World Lighthouse Heritage

Lighthouse is a  unique blend of engineering, history, cultural symbolism, and community engagement makes it a powerful ambassador for the preservation and celebration of lighthouses worldwide.

Why Poti Lighthouse Promotes World Lighthouse Heritage

A Rare Example of 19th-Century British Engineering Abroad

• Manufactured in London in 1862 by Easton Amos and Sons Engineers, the lighthouse was assembled in Georgia using cast iron tiles, bolts, and nuts—without welding.
• Its modular design and spiral staircase of 160 steps reflect advanced industrial techniques of the era, showcasing the global reach of British maritime engineering.
• Poti Lighthouse has served uninterrupted as a navigational aid for over 160 years, maintaining its original purpose while adapting to modern technologies.
• Its longevity and resilience make it a living monument to the evolution of maritime safety.

Rich Cultural and Legendary Significance

Linked to the first football matches in Georgia, played by British engineers during construction.

• Site of a WWII mystery, where a lighthouse keeper’s vigilance helped protect the structure from potential attack.
• Beyond navigation, the lighthouse now serves as a cultural venue, hosting films, exhibitions, and performances.
• This dual role – functional and cultural – demonstrates how lighthouses can be preserved through community integration and creative programming.

Educational and Public Engagement

• Managed by the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia –the lighthouse is used to educate the public about aids to navigation and maritime history.
• School visits, interpretive signage, and digital storytelling help connect new generations to its legacy.
• As one of the most iconic structures on the Black Sea coast, Poti Lighthouse embodies Georgia’s maritime heritage and its connection to global trade routes.
• Its preservation and prominence inspire pride and awareness of the country’s role in international navigation.

Poti Lighthouse is not just a local treasure—it’s a beacon of world heritage, illuminating the shared history of coastal nations, maritime innovation, and cultural resilience.

Photos and Diagrams