The statue of Medea and the Golden Fleece stands on Europe Square in the centre of Batumi, among the monuments, statues and fountains of the city. The bronze statue depicts Medea, daughter of King Aeetes, ruler of Colchis, a legendary figure of Greek mythology, holding the Golden Fleece. The monument was unveiled on 6 July 2007 with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in attendance; the design is the work of architect and sculptor Davit Khmaladze.
According to the myth, Medea fell in love with Jason, leader of the Argonauts, and helped him obtain the Golden Fleece, a legendary artefact symbolising the wealth and power of Colchis. The couple fled together aboard the ship Argo, an image of which also appears in the monument's composition. The statue stands on a tall, narrow pedestal faced with white marble and carved with scenes from the myth, with Medea's gaze turned toward the sea, from where the Argonauts' ship is said to have arrived.
The monument's cost exceeded one million GEL, which drew criticism at the time of its unveiling, but over the years the statue has become one of Batumi's most recognisable symbols. In the evening, the monument and the surrounding buildings of Europe Square are lit up in colour. Nearby stand the astronomical clock and the statue of Neptune, making it easy to combine several sights on the square into one walk. The monument is accessible day and night, free of charge.
