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Soviet Tskaltubo Tour: Echoes of a Spa Town's Grandeur

Explore the abandoned Soviet-era sanatoriums of Tskaltubo, a unique spa town near Kutaisi, Georgia, and discover its fascinating history.

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Step back in time with a visit to Tskaltubo, a once-thriving spa resort during the Soviet era, now a fascinating collection of abandoned sanatoriums. Explore the remnants of this unique balneological center, where stunning architecture and mineral-rich springs whisper stories of a bygone era.

A brief summary to Soviet Tskhaltubo Tour

  • Monday 2 pm-5 pm
  • Tuesday 2 pm-5 pm
  • Wednesday 2 pm-5 pm
  • Thursday 2 pm-5 pm
  • Friday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Saturday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Sunday 2 pm-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces, as many sanatoriums are in a state of disrepair.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique Soviet-era architecture and the haunting atmosphere of the abandoned buildings.
  • Respect the residents: Some sanatoriums are still inhabited by internally displaced persons.
  • Consider visiting Spring No. 6, a thermal bath built exclusively for Joseph Stalin.
  • Check for guided tours from Kutaisi for a more in-depth understanding of the history and significance of Tskaltubo.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kutaisi, the most budget-friendly way to reach Tskaltubo is by marshrutka (minibus). These depart frequently (every 20 minutes) from Kutaisi Bus Station, located near the city center. Look for marshrutka #30 or #34 heading to Tskaltubo. The fare is approximately 2 GEL, and the journey takes around 30 minutes. Once in Tskaltubo, the marshrutka will travel along Rustaveli Street on the eastern edge of the park. You can disembark at any point along this route.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Kutaisi to Tskaltubo offers a faster and more convenient option. Taxis are readily available throughout Kutaisi, and ride-hailing apps like Bolt are also popular. A taxi ride to Tskaltubo typically costs between 15-20 GEL, and the journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Soviet Tskhaltubo Tour

Tskaltubo, a town located a short distance from Kutaisi, offers a captivating glimpse into Georgia's Soviet past. Once a premier spa destination famed throughout the USSR for its radon-carbonate mineral springs, Tskaltubo attracted over 100,000 visitors annually. The town's "Waters of Immortality," known for their constant natural temperature of 33–35 °C (91–95 °F), were believed to possess unique healing properties. Designated as a spa resort and balneology center in 1931, Tskaltubo became a showcase of Soviet architecture and welfare strategy. The town boasted numerous sanatoriums, bathhouses, and a meticulously planned resort park. Even Joseph Stalin frequented Tskaltubo, further solidifying its status as an elite destination. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a turning point. The popularity of voucher-based visits dwindled, leading to the abandonment of many sanatoriums. During the Georgia-Abkhazia conflict (1992-1993), many of these abandoned buildings became temporary refuge for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Today, Tskaltubo attracts a different kind of tourist: those interested in urban exploration, Soviet history, and unique architecture. While some sanatoriums are undergoing renovation, many remain in their original, semi-abandoned state, offering a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore iconic structures like Sanatorium Medea and former bathhouses, each echoing stories of a time when Tskaltubo was at the height of its glory.

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