EVERYTHING ABOUT GEORGIA

Borjomi, located in the south-central part of Georgia, is renowned for its resort offerings. Positioned in the scenic Borjomi Gorge on the eastern border of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, it constitutes one of the northwestern sectors of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
This picturesque town is celebrated for several prominent features. Firstly, it serves as a hub for the mineral water industry, marking a significant export of Georgia. Secondly, it houses the Romanov summer palace situated in Likani, adding to its historical allure. Thirdly, the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, designated as a World Wide Fund for Nature site, further contributes to the town's appeal. Moreover, the bottling of Borjomi mineral water stands as a principal economic driver for the region.
The therapeutic potential attributed to the mineral springs in the area has positioned Borjomi as a popular destination for individuals seeking relief from health issues. The curative powers of these mineral springs draw people seeking their potential benefits.

 

By train - From Tbilisi, Gori, Mtskheta, it is possible to get in using the Tbilisi - Borjomi train.

Minibus / Marshrutka: In Tbilisi minibuses to Borjomi depart from an area in front of Didube metro station. The price is 8 GEL and the journey takes about two hours. Marshrutkas go from the main bus station in Batumi to Borjomi and vice-verse. The ride is about 3 hours.

The town is small enough to get around on foot. It is possible to get to the entry/exit points of the national park by marshrutka / minibus or taxi.

 

 

- Pay a visit to the Borjomi Kharagauli National Park, the largest of its kind in Georgia. You can obtain free access permission and a map of the area, along with route information and shelter locations, from the park's administrative office located slightly to the west of Borjomi (23 Meskheti Street). If you plan to hike within the national park, make sure to bring sufficient supplies, water, and basic sleeping gear since the cabins are quite basic (costing 10 GEL). A one-day hike from Borjomi to Qvabiskhevi (or vice versa) is possible, followed by a return to Borjomi via hitchhiking, local bus, or taxi. Longer multi-day hikes are also an option, allowing you to explore higher altitudes (up to 2600 meters). For more details about this national park, please refer to our National Parks Page - provided link here.

 

- Discover the Green Monastery, an ancient religious site located just outside the town. You can reach it by walking, hitchhiking, or bargaining with a taxi (a fare of around 10 GEL should suffice for a round trip). A brief hike through the woods leads to the monastery, which is compact yet exudes beauty.

Vardzia is a cave monastery site in southern Georgia. The main period of construction was the second half of the 12th century. The caves stretch along the cliff for some five hundred metres and in up to nineteen tiers. The Church of the Dormition, dating to the 1180s during the golden age of King Tamar, has an important series of wall paintings. The site was largely abandoned after the Ottoman takeover in the sixteenth century. Now part of a state heritage reserve, the extended area of Vardzia-Khertvisi has been submitted for future inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can see Vardzia in a day trip from Akhaltsikhe or Borjomi, but the Vardzia area is so magical that an overnight (or longer) stay is well worthwhile.

 

You can take public marshrutka from Tbilisi or Borjomi via Akhaltsikhe but you'll need to ask the driver where to drop you off.

 

Church of the Dormition. A 12th century church famous for its wall paintings. The paintings were created during the reign of Queen Tamar, probably shortly after her father's death. The church measures 8.2 meters by 14.5 meters.  Around the main church is an entire monastery complex carved out of the cliff, the façade of which collapsed after an earthquake.

Akhaltsikhe, the capital and largest municipality of Samtskhe-Javakheti, translates to 'New Castle' in the Georgian language. While the Rabati castle, which dominates the northern side of the Potskhovi River and the town, hasn't been genuinely new since the 12th century, it underwent extensive restoration in recent years. This revitalization has played a significant role in transforming a town that once suffered from post-Soviet decline into a reasonably appealing destination. It also serves as a starting point for visits to Vardzia.

 

The Rabati area and its castle have a rich history of ethnic and religious diversity, as well as tolerance. This region served as a frontier where various empires, kingdoms, and cultures converged. Even today, Rabati boasts a mix of Georgian Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Catholic churches, a synagogue, and a mosque, reflecting this multicultural heritage. Akhaltsikhe continues to have a substantial Armenian population.

 

The more modern sectors of the town are mainly situated on the southern side of the river. Upon crossing the bridge near the base of Rabati and choosing the right path at two junctions, you'll find yourself on Kostava Street, the main thoroughfare.

 

Marshrutkas run to Akhaltsikhe main market/bus station from Tbilisi Didube market, as well as from the bus stations in Kutaisi and Khashuri.

Akhaltsikhe is on the most direct land route between Armenia and Turkey (the border between these countries is closed that and is not expected to change soon).

 

- Situated around 10-12 km uphill from Akhaltsikhe, Sapara Monastery nestles in the mountains. Its origins trace back to the tenth century, while the main church, St. Sabas, was constructed sometime during the thirteenth century. The monastery enjoyed remarkable preservation until the twentieth century due to its secluded location, shielding it from Ottoman discovery during the three-century dominance of southwestern Georgia. Unfortunately, the Soviets eventually uncovered it and subjected it to their typical unfeeling treatment, although not to the same extreme as many other Georgian Orthodox establishments. The frescoes on the walls were not covered over and have remained well-preserved, particularly following a recent restoration. During your visit, take the opportunity to ascend the nearby slopes to a rocky ledge, offering splendid panoramic views of the monastery and the distant valleys. Additionally, remember to refrain from using flash photography within the churches to avoid irking the monks. If you can communicate your intentions, you might even be able to spend the night in the monastery's chambers.