Abanotubani, Tbilisi
The Abanotubani district is famous for its sulfur baths, which have been an essential part of Tbilisi鈥檚 identity for centuries. In fact, this area is the very reason the city exists as it does today 鈥� after all, 鈥渢bili鈥� means 鈥渨arm.鈥�
The thermal springs beneath Abanotubani have been flowing for more than a thousand years, and the bathhouses that channel them date back to at least the 17th century, with some structures built even earlier. During the Persian and later Russian periods, the baths were frequented by nobles, merchants, and travelers from all over the region, becoming not only places of hygiene but also centers of relaxation, conversation, and diplomacy. The area鈥檚 most distinctive architectural feature is its domed brick roofs, which rise like small mounds from the earth, allowing steam from the sulfur-rich waters to escape into the air.
Today, Abanotubani remains one of the most beloved attractions in Tbilisi. Visitors can still enjoy a soak in one of the many historic bathhouses, some of which, like the Orbeliani Bathhouse, are beautifully decorated with blue-tiled facades reminiscent of Persian design. The neighborhood surrounding the baths is also a delight to explore, filled with narrow streets, colorful balconies, art shops, and caf茅s.
Beyond its charm, Abanotubani is a microcosm of Tbilisi鈥檚 multicultural spirit. Within its compact area stand Georgian Orthodox, Armenian, and Catholic churches, as well as a mosque 鈥� a reflection of centuries of coexistence. The district may be small, but it gathers all walks of life in a steamy, warm atmosphere.
The thermal springs beneath Abanotubani have been flowing for more than a thousand years, and the bathhouses that channel them date back to at least the 17th century, with some structures built even earlier. During the Persian and later Russian periods, the baths were frequented by nobles, merchants, and travelers from all over the region, becoming not only places of hygiene but also centers of relaxation, conversation, and diplomacy. The area鈥檚 most distinctive architectural feature is its domed brick roofs, which rise like small mounds from the earth, allowing steam from the sulfur-rich waters to escape into the air.
Today, Abanotubani remains one of the most beloved attractions in Tbilisi. Visitors can still enjoy a soak in one of the many historic bathhouses, some of which, like the Orbeliani Bathhouse, are beautifully decorated with blue-tiled facades reminiscent of Persian design. The neighborhood surrounding the baths is also a delight to explore, filled with narrow streets, colorful balconies, art shops, and caf茅s.
Beyond its charm, Abanotubani is a microcosm of Tbilisi鈥檚 multicultural spirit. Within its compact area stand Georgian Orthodox, Armenian, and Catholic churches, as well as a mosque 鈥� a reflection of centuries of coexistence. The district may be small, but it gathers all walks of life in a steamy, warm atmosphere.
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Abanotubani on Map
Sight Name: Abanotubani
Sight Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (See walking tours in Tbilisi)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (See walking tours in Tbilisi)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tbilisi, Georgia
Create Your Own Walk in Tbilisi
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tbilisi is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles