The story behind the names
The names refer to the novel Ali and Nino, published in 1937 under the name Kurban Said. Set in the Caucasus around the First World War, it follows the love of Azerbaijani Muslim Ali and Georgian Christian Nino. Ali is not a character from Hopa. This is a literary story, not a verified biography of a historical couple.
The artist and the date
Georgian artist Tamar Kvesitadze created the sculpture, also known as Man and Woman. It was installed on Batumi’s seafront in 2010.
How tall is it?
Official tourism sources describe the figures as approximately 8 metres high. Layers of metal create a partly transparent appearance that changes with your viewing angle.
How does it move?
The figures slowly approach, pass through one another and separate. Tourism sources describe a cycle of about 10 minutes. Published operating-hour descriptions differ; movement at a particular time cannot be guaranteed.
Where is it?
On Batumi Boulevard, by the waterfront near Miracle Park, the Ferris wheel and the Alphabet Tower. Map search: Ali and Nino Statue, Batumi. Open the directions link on your phone or show the destination to your taxi driver.
Plan your visit
Daylight makes it easier to see the metal layers and the surroundings; after dark, the lighting gives a different view. Allow time to watch a movement cycle if the mechanism is running. The photos show different dates and do not establish today’s lighting or operating schedule.
