The city of Poti is situated in the Samegrelo and Upper Svaneti region. Historical sources indicate that the area now known as Poti was once home to one of Georgia's oldest cities, Phasisi.
The contemporary appearance and layout of Poti can be credited to the prominent Georgian public figure Niko Nikoladze. With the support of German architect Edmund Frick, Nikoladze designed Poti in the style of Parisian boulevards.
In 1858, Poti was declared as a port city. The Poti Seaport is one of the largest ports in the Black Sea region.