Fantastic! You are now standing in front of Abanotubani, the ancient bath district of Tbilisi. To spot it, look for a cluster of dome-shaped roofs that appear to rise out of the ground. These domes are scattered amidst colorful flower beds and vibrant green shrubbery, giving off an old-world charm. The domed roofs are made of brick and naturally, they stand out due to their distinctly patterned tiles.
Now, here’s a bit of fun history for you: Abanotubani, literally meaning "bath district," is famous for its sulphuric baths. Legend has it that King Vakhtang Gorgasali was out hunting with his falcon when the bird landed in a hot spring, leading to the discovery of these hot waters. He was so impressed that he decided to establish a new capital right here, setting the stage for the birth of Tbilisi. Talk about finding a hot spot!
By the late 13th century, there were as many as 65 baths recorded in Tbilisi, and impressively, the baths were free for Muslim residents at the time. Standing here, you’re actually soaking in centuries of history, culture, and a generous sprinkle of legend.
So, why not take a deep breath and imagine the soothing warmth of these ancient sulphur baths? Surely, the king’s falcon had an eye-and a feather-for luxury! Enjoy the rest of your tour!
