Borjomi is a historical resort town located in the picturesque Borjomi Gorge, on the edge of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, 160km east of Tbilisi. The town is famous for its mineral water, a Romanov summer palace, and the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
Borjomi
ბორჯომი
Population: 11,000
In the Middle Ages the area which is now Borjomi stood at a strategic crossroad of routes between east, west, and south. Three forts where constructed to guard the route; “Gogia”, “Petra”, and “Sali”. These forts still overlook Borjomi today.
The Borjomi springs were discovered by the Russian army in 1829. The mineral water quickly became famous for its supposed curative properties and Borjomi became a destination for people with health problems, including Russian aristocracy. Borjomi’s fame led to it gaining the nickname: “the pearl of the Caucasus”. The naturally carbonated mineral water began being bottled in 1854 and was exported thoughout the Russian Empire (and later the USSR) and beyond.
In 1862, Mikhail Romanov, brother of Tsar Alexander II, was appointed crown prince of the Transcaucasus. Mikhail loved the region and had a summer residence built. In 1871, Alexander II, gave Mikhail the whole of Borjomi. Shortly after Mikhail introduced a ban on logging and hunting in the region. This eventually helped the region become a state reserve, and later a national park.
During the Soviet era, Borjomi Mineral Water was the third most recognised brand of the USSR after Volga automobiles and Aeroflot airlines. Today Borjomi Mineral Water is exported to over 40 countries.
What To See and Do in Borjomi
Borjomi Central Park & Cable Car
Borjomi Central Park stretches almost a kilometre along the Borjomula River. The park is very much a family oriented park with rides and activities for children and various places to eat. An aerial cable car stretches from near the parks entrance, up to a ridge overlooking the town. The cable car costs 3 GEL each way. The street leading to the park entrance, 9 Aprili Street, is lined with cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is one of the largest national parks in Georgia. Spanning over 850 square kilometres, the national park covers more than 1% of the total area of Georgia. In 1935, the Borjomi State Reserve was established. The national park was founded in 1995, becoming the first national park in the Caucasus. It was officially inaugurated in 2001. The national park covers a diverse range of geographical and ecological zones, landscapes, historical monuments and has rich flora and fauna.
There are 12 hiking marked tourist routes in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, it is possible to arrange hiking in the territory of the national park from 1 day to 5 days. Overnight stays can be spent in specially arranged tourist shelters or in specially designated tent areas in the tent. To go on the hiking trails of the National Park, you need to register at the visitor centers of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Administration: in Borjomi or Kharagauli.
Gogia & PETRE FORTRESS
Gogia Fortress is located to the north-west of Borjomi and has view over the entire town. During the middle ages Borjomi was important due to its strategic position. Gogia Fortress was constructed during the 1500s to guard the road passing through the valley.
Petre Fortress, opposite the village of Likani, was constructed during the middle ages to guard the bridge over the Mtkvari River.
Romanov Palace
Romanov Palace, also known as Likani Palace, was constructed by Nicholas Romanov between 1892-1895 in Likani, a couple of kilometres south of Borjomi. In 1898, the first hydroelectric power station in the Russian Empire was built in Likani to illuminate the palace. The palace houses numerous items of historical significance, including a table given to the Romanovs by Napoleon, armchairs by the Shah of Persia, and a hand made walnut table carved by Peter the Great. During the Soviet era, the palace became state owned and top officials rested here, including Joseph Stalin. Since 2004, the palace has acted as an official residence of the President of Georgia. At the timing of writing, the palace is still closed to the public.
Tsar Sulphur Baths
From the far end of Borjomi Central Park, a trail follows the Borjomula River a little over a kilometre to the Tsar Sulphur Baths. The baths are three modern outdoor swimming pools today. The water is around 30°C. Entry to the swimming area, over the bridge, is 5 GEL per person.
Where To Eat
Old Borjomi
19 Kostava St, Borjomi
Tumba Cafe
123, 1200 Shota Rustaveli St, Borjomi
Tumba Cafe is a nice little cafe on the main street which has tasty bakery items and good coffee. Its a good place to stop by if you’ve just arrived and need to research a place to stay or if you need to burn some time while waiting for your next marshrutka.
Where To Sleep
Golden Tulip Borjomi
9 Aprili Street 48, Borjomi
Crowne Plaza Borjomi
Baratashvili St 9, Borjomi
How to get to Borjomi
Borjomi is located around 30 kilometres south of Georgia’s main east-west highway, and it an important gateway to the south. It’s a popular tourist destination and it well connected to the major Georgian cities. Marshrutka (minibuses) depart from Didube Bus Station in Tbilisi. The ride takes approximately 2.5 hours and costs 7 GEL. A share taxi should cost around 25-35 GEL per person.
Didube Bus Station is the main transportation hub of Tbilisi. It’s a chaotic place at first, but you’ll soon learn how the place works. When you exit the Didube Metro station, you’ll find plenty of share taxi drivers waiting for you. If you’re after the marshrutkas, politely decline and walk on by.
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