Sights of Georgia in Tbilisi - Abanotubani or sulfur baths. The first documentary mention of them is found in the book of the Arab traveler Ibn Haukali, 10th century.
Sulfur baths in Tbilisi are one of the most popular and famous sights of Georgia. They were visited by A.S. Pushkin at one time. Currently, there are 8 different baths.
The sights of Georgia are colorful and tell about the history of the country. Today about the ancient bath district - Abanotubani. The name translates as sulfur baths, which are built on hot natural springs with mineral water.
In Tbilisi, they jokingly claim that the expression "go to the bathhouse" appeared here. Specifically, in the center of the Old City, the Abanotubani district (translated from Georgian as "bath district"). And no, these covered brick domes with openings of the XVII-XVIII centuries are not mosques.
Doubts will be dispelled instantly: you will feel the sharp smell of sulfur in the air. But, believe me, you will get used to it. The originality of the surrounding area will charm you so much that even this smell will seem like a pleasant accompaniment to the melody of the Tbilisi flavor.
Tbilisi baths are an epoch, and Georgian "terschiki" (in Georgian "mekise") are those who created the history of the bath era. And they continue to create, because the possession of this art in most cases is passed down from generation to generation. And each "turner" has its own secrets, methods of treatment and giving pleasure to customers. And if suddenly he takes off on your shoulders, sets the bones without causing you pain, do not be afraid, but enjoy. You are in the hands of a real master!
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History
There is a legend about this place. The King of Georgia Vakhtang Gorgasali often came here to hunt. One day, when he saw a pheasant flying by, he sent a falcon after it. The falcon quickly grabbed the prey, hiding in the forest. Having found his bird, the king saw a hot sulfur spring in which a pheasant was cooked.
The tsar ordered to build a bathhouse on this place, after which the city of Tbilisi appeared around it, which means “warm". In the book of the tenth century "With roads and in the book of Kingdoms" there are lines written by the Arab geographer Ibn Haukali: "In the city of Tbilisi there are baths similar to the baths of Tiberiadi, whose water boils without fire." Historical data dating from the XIII century indicates that there are 65 thermal baths in the city.
Nowadays, in the center of Abanotubani there is a monument reminiscent of the legend. Bulat Okudzhava wrote a poem about her: “A predatory beast fought and writhed under your arrow ...”. This is the place that every tourist can see, since sulfur baths have survived to our times. There are 8 active baths in the Bath district.
They are very similar to public, but completely natural, hot hydrogen sulfide water enters the pools from underground. On the outside there are spherical domes with windows made of stone. Inside is a basement with swimming pools.
But the Orbelian bathhouse can be confused with a mosque, since it has similarities with a religious structure. It was built in 1840. Decorated in oriental style. This is the most popular and beautiful steam room. The cost of rest in the bath varies from 50 to 150 lari, which in rubles is 1160-3500 rubles.
And some rooms in the Orbelian bath can cost 500 lari (11600 rubles). Having visited Abanotubani, you will definitely see the most beautiful places in Georgia. The steam rooms are located near the river and the descent into the gorge.
You can read more about the work of each of the baths in the Madloba catalog in a special section. Here you will find a description of the services offered, modes of operation and user reviews.
Leave your own comments, ask questions and be sure to plan a visit to the sulfur baths when you travel around Tbilisi.
You can also learn more about life in Georgia on the pages of our website. We share our observations, tell you how to make the journey brighter and more exciting. Our reviews will help you make a plan to visit the sights, as well as the best tourist areas in different regions of the country.
"sulfur baths"
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