The museum of the Abastumani astrophysical observatory tells the story of observation on Mount Kanobili: the instruments, the telescopes, the images and documents of different decades. The observatory was founded in the nineteen thirties and became the first mountain astrophysical station in the region. What matters most for a visitor is not the cases but the instruments and domes seen up close.
The observatory stands above the Abastumani resort at about a kilometre and a half, among coniferous forest. A switchback road leads up, and Abastumani itself is known as a climatic resort with mineral waters. The platform opens a view over the whole valley.
The museum opens daily from eleven in the morning, and the evening hours are tied to observation. A phone number and a website are listed, so the visit and a guided tour are easier to arrange in advance. Allow an hour for the visit and another twenty minutes for the drive up.
Tips
- Call ahead and ask whether an evening sky session is planned
- Dress warmly, it is noticeably colder up there than in the valley
- Combine the visit with a walk around the Abastumani resort
How to get there
- From Akhaltsikhe via Adigeni and Abastumani, about forty minutes by car
- A switchback road leads up from the village, the climb on foot takes over an hour
Have you been to this museum? Leave a review on Madloba, it helps others plan their trip.
