Holiday in Borjomi

The spa resort Borjomi is considered to be the Georgian gem. Known since the 19^th – 20^th centuries, it actively attracts tourists from all over the world to this day. In this article, we would like to introduce you to the history of the resort, to the sights of interest and to some helpful information about hotels, health resorts, transport links etc.

Holiday in Borjomi: Overview

This famous resort town of mineral springs is located in the south-central part of the country in the region of Samtskhe-Javakheti, in the picturesque Borjomi Gorge on the eastern edge of the National Park Borjomi-Kharagauli, which covers 700 square kilometres and is considered one of the largest national parks in Europe.

BORJOMI mineral water is probably the most famous Georgian brand today. The formation of the mineral water is quite surprising: water is generated within the 10 km depth under the Earth surface from 1,500-year-old volcanic springs, and then under the natural pressure of carbon dioxide is literally pushed out to the surface. Upon reaching the surface the water has a temperature of 38-41 C. On its way up through the volcanic rocks of the Caucasus Mountains, the water is enriched with more than 60 kinds of different mineral compounds. On the territory of Borjomi reserve operates a modern factory, equipped with 9 wells to extract water.

Different studies have shown that deep mineralized waters, fresh waters, and slightly saline waters have a favourable impact on human health and are the cure of various ailments. That is why since the days of Imperial Russia was built this wonderful resort, which, thanks to its picturesque scenery, easy access, fresh climate and, of course, its mineral springs, has become one of the most popular resorts in the former Soviet Union. However, in the course of archaeological excavations, stone baths and clay pipes leading to the springs have been found. This proves that the mineral waters have been used for thousands of years, long before the foundation of the resort.

Borjomi is situated along the gorge of the river Kura. Like many low-mountain resorts, Borjomi is surrounded from all the sides by mountains covered mostly with broadleaf and coniferous forests. Just because of the coniferous forests the air here is always so fresh and full of oxygen that unaccustomed people feel dizzy from the “oxygen euphoria”.

The climate in Borjomi is mild both in winter and summer, without strong temperature drops. In short, the resort is multidisciplinary: healing mineral water is used for the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract, metabolic disorders, kidney and cardiovascular diseases, and simultaneously fresh pine air has good effect for the diseases of the nervous and respiratory system.

Holiday in Borjomi: Landmarks

On the territory of Borjomi, a stone’s throw away you can find many ancient monuments that you can visit in your free time and discover the history and culture of this ancient country.

First of all, it is worth mentioning the famous Borjomi City Park, where the spring is situated under the large glass dome with mineral water coming out straight from the bowels of the earth. The taste is identical to the bottled water, but it is distinguished by a characteristic smell of hydrogen sulphide.

At the entrance to the park, the cableway is located (ticket costs 2 GEL), which provides access to the top of the park from where you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the bird’s eye view. In the park, you can find a beautiful waterfall with a statue of Amirani – Georgian Prometheus. If you walk down the park and climb up the gorge for about 2 km, you will see sulfur spring with a swimming pool, where you can have a swim for free.

Borjomi Local History Museum opens its doors for its visitors. The museum building was built in the late 19th century in pseudo-Russian Gothic style. The museum hosts exhibitions on the local archaeology, history, nature and art.

Blue Palace “Firuza” which in Persian means “turquoise” is one of the most important historical buildings in Borjomi. Located at the entrance to City Park, it was built in 1892 by the consul of Iran Mirza Riza and is considered a unique cultural monument and an architectural symbol of the town. The building combines the characteristics of Persian, Georgian and European styles.

Address: Baratashvili Street, 3

Another architectural monument is the Palace of the Romanovs, built by the order of Tsar Nicholas II in 1892-1895. The palace became the residence of the Royal dynasty, and later the favourite place of Joseph Stalin. The palace is located in the village of Likani not far from Borzhomi. Now the Likani Palace is the summer residence of the President of Georgia and, unfortunately, the entrance into the palace is forbidden.

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is located in the central part of Georgia and is part of the Lesser Caucasus. The park is one of the largest in Europe – it covers more than 85 000 hectares of natural forests and subalpine and alpine meadows with rare species of flora and fauna. A different network of routes and destinations invite visitors to experience the stunning variety of flowering plants, enjoy the breathtaking views and magical atmosphere. This is one of the few places in the region where infrastructure is well developed, including small huts in the mountains, water supply and places for picnic and camping. It is possible to rent horses as well.

Borjomi region is rich in ancient historical monuments, which are worth to take a tour. Among them, we can list the ruins of an ancient fortress Atskuri, Green Monastery, Timotesubani Monastery Gogia Castle and unique caves of Vardzia. All the necessary information concerning the tours, accommodation or transportation you find at the information tourist centre with the details below:

Holiday in Borjomi: Infrastructure

Despite the fact that Borjomi still retains the imprint of Soviet buildings and architecture, the infrastructure of the town in recent years has changed a lot. In the town, you can find resorts and hotels from Soviet times as well as new spa – complexes which offer comfortable rooms with free internet, gyms, swimming pools and spa treatments such as Rixos Borjomi, Crown Plaza Borjomi, and the most famous Borjomi Palace Resort & Spa. There are also countless guesthouses and rooms for rent at affordable prices from 15 GEL to 120 GEL, depending on conditions and services.

Transport connection Tbilisi – Borjomi is also very developed. Minibuses and buses depart from the square in front of Didube Metro station every hour. The one-way price is 8 GEL, and the trip takes about 2.5-3 hours.

You can also travel by train from Tbilisi to Borjomi. The trip will take you 5 hours.

Narrow-gauge train under an amusing nickname “Cuckoo”, serving the route between Borjomi and Bakuriani twice a day, is still operating. The train departs from Borjomi to Bakuriani at 07: 15 and 10:55 and the trip takes 2.5 hours. The departure time from Bakuriani is at 10:00 and 14:15. The one-way ticket price is 2 GEL.

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