Background

Soviet Tskhaltubo: A Journey Back in Time

Discover the forgotten grandeur of Tskhaltubo, Georgia's Soviet-era spa town, where history and healing waters intertwine.

5

Explore the remnants of Soviet grandeur in Tskhaltubo, a spa town famed for its mineral waters and abandoned sanatoriums. Once a retreat for the Soviet elite, today it offers a unique glimpse into 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

  • Explore the abandoned sanatoriums to witness the grandeur and decay of Soviet architecture. Be respectful and careful as the buildings are not renovated.
  • Visit the Tskaltubo Spa Resort, the only original sanatorium currently in use, to experience the renovated facilities and learn about the town's history.
  • Take a guided tour to discover hidden gems and learn about the history of Tskhaltubo and its mineral waters.
  • Combine your visit to Tskhaltubo with a trip to nearby attractions like Prometheus Cave and Gelati Monastery.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kutaisi, take a marshrutka (minibus) to Tskaltubo. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. The marshrutka stop in Kutaisi is across the Red Bridge on the left. The fare is around 1 GEL.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Kutaisi. A taxi ride to Tskaltubo will cost approximately 20 GEL.

Unlock the Best of Soviet Tskhaltubo Tour

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Soviet Tskhaltubo Tour

Tskhaltubo, nestled in west-central Georgia, was once the Soviet Union's premier spa resort, attracting around 125,000 visitors annually. Known for its radon-carbonate mineral springs, with a natural temperature of 33–35 °C (91–95 °F), the town's history as a healing center dates back centuries. The "Waters of Immortality," as they were known, were likely used as early as the 7th to 9th centuries. In the Soviet era, particularly in the 1950s, Tskhaltubo was transformed into a flagship spa town, featuring 19 sanatoriums and pensions, nine bathhouses, and a sprawling resort park. The architecture blended Modernism and Socialist Realism, reflecting the Soviet emphasis on health and well-being. The mineral waters were believed to cure a variety of ailments, drawing visitors from across the USSR. Even Joseph Stalin had his private bathing facilities here. Today, Tskhaltubo offers a surreal experience. While some bathhouses and sanatoriums have been renovated, many remain abandoned, their grand facades and interiors frozen in time. Exploring these abandoned sanatoriums offers a unique opportunity to step back into the Soviet era, witnessing the grandeur and decay of a once-thriving resort. Visitors can explore the open corridors and inner gardens of the old marble temples, imagining themselves in ballrooms and luxury balconies. Key sites include Sanatorium Iveria, Sanatorium Metalurgi with its large theatre, and Bathhouse No. 8 with its unique architecture.

Popular Experiences near Soviet Tskhaltubo Tour

Popular Hotels near Soviet Tskhaltubo Tour

Select Currency