Sulfur baths in Tbilisi (Abanotubani)

Sulphur Baths are a curious sight in Tbilisi. They are located in the historical center of the capital of Georgia, on the very spot where the legendary King Gorgasal founded the city 1500 years ago. Underground springs feed the pools of thermal baths. There is also a balneological resort here. The functioning ancient complex of baths at the foot of the ancient fortress of Narikala attracts many tourists, and locals have long been going to the sulfuric steam rooms to meet with friends by the pools, discuss the news and just relax at the end of the day.

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Video: Sulfur Baths in Tbilisi

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There are a dozen hydrogen sulfide baths operating in the Abanotubani neighborhood on the right, east bank of the Kura River. All of them are located in one block bounded by Abano, Mirza Akhundov and Grishashvili streets. The bathhouses are separated by a mountain stream. Its bed is reinforced by brick retaining walls with powerful arches. To the left of the facade of Prince Orbeliani’s bathhouse a metal bridge leading to the baths of Tsar Irakli is laid across the stream. A long pedestrian platform stretches along the stream. From here you can see the remains of ancient foundations, fragments of walls that have fallen into the water.

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Classical Georgian baths resemble ancient Roman thermae in their interior design and spirit. They serve not only for bathing, but also for intimate communication with close friends. In spacious vaulted halls decorated with mosaics, there are pools with hot and cold water, steam rooms and rest rooms, where snacks and drinks are served. In the traditions of the national bath culture there are indispensable procedures – health-improving massage, rubbing the body with a hard woolen glove, contrast shower.

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‘ Monument-fountain in the center of Abanotubani
” Brickwork of sulphur baths

The Sulphur Baths in Tbilisi are surrounded by a well-kept park. To the southwest of it spreads the green sea of the Botanical Garden, and the walls of the medieval fortress of Narikala can be seen on the hillside. Neighboring streets are full of sights and monuments of antiquity, with stores, restaurants, and souvenir galleries open in restored houses.

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