Tbilisi3 hoursFrom ₾135
Abanotubani Tour — Sulfur Baths, a Hidden Waterfall & Three Faiths
The sulfur bath district of Abanotubani is the heart of old Tbilisi — and the reason the city exists. Steam rises from natural volcanic springs, brick domes punctuate the skyline, and a mosque, synagogue, and church stand within 100 metres of each other.
Why Tbilisi Was Founded Here
The name Tbilisi comes from the Georgian word "tbili" — warm. According to the founding legend, King Vakhtang Gorgasali was hunting in the 5th century when his falcon chased a pheasant into a natural hot spring. Both birds were boiled alive — but the king saw the miracle of warm water bubbling from the earth, and decided to move his capital here.
The springs are still here. The district of Abanotubani — literally "bathhouse district" — has been the thermal heart of the city for 1500 years. The characteristic brick domes with their octagonal chimneys are the most recognisable image of old Tbilisi.
How This Tour Differs from the Old Tbilisi Walking Tour
The Old Tbilisi tour is a panoramic walk across the entire historic centre — Narikala fortress, Metekhi church, Sioni Cathedral. Abanotubani is a deep dive into one neighbourhood: the bath culture, the smell of sulfur, hidden courtyards, underground springs. You leave with an understanding of why this particular district has drawn people for fifteen centuries.
The Baths — Still Working After 15 Centuries
The bathhouses of Abanotubani are not a tourist attraction — they are a working institution. Locals come here for weddings, business meetings, and weekly rituals. The water flows from underground at 37°C, rich in hydrogen sulfide and sulfate minerals. A private bath room (1–2 hours, ₾15–30) includes a stone pool, changing room, and access to a traditional kisi exfoliating massage.
The most famous bath is the Royal Bath (Chreli-Abano), painted in Persian mosaic tiles. The atmospheric interior with its domed ceiling and mineral-water pool is one of the most distinctive spaces in Georgia.
Leghvtakhevi — the Hidden Waterfall
Behind the bath domes, a path descends into the Leghvtakhevi gorge — a narrow canyon hidden from the main street that most tourists never find. A 25-metre waterfall drops into a pool at the bottom, surrounded by fig trees and rock. This is one of Timur's favourite spots in Tbilisi — half nature reserve, half urban secret.
The gorge also has a small playground and café at its base, making it a pleasant stop for families. In summer the mist from the waterfall cools the air noticeably — a welcome break from Tbilisi's heat.
Three Faiths — 100 Metres Apart
The religious diversity of Abanotubani is extraordinary: the Jumah Mosque (built 1895 on the site of an older mosque), the Great Synagogue of Tbilisi, and an Armenian Orthodox church all stand within 100 metres. All three are active and welcome respectful visitors. The proximity is not accidental — it reflects Georgia's centuries-long tradition of coexistence among the three Abrahamic faiths.
The Jumah Mosque is the only Shia mosque in Georgia — a reminder that the region was once part of the Persian sphere of influence. The Great Synagogue, completed in 1903, is one of the largest in the Caucasus. Georgia has had a continuous Jewish community since the 6th century BC.
Timur's tip
Book a bath before or after the tour (₾15–30 for a private room). The experience of soaking in 1500-year-old thermal springs under a brick dome, then walking out into the old town, is something genuinely unique. Go early — the baths are emptiest before 10:00. The Royal Bath (Chreli-Abano) is the most atmospheric, but the smaller family-run baths are cheaper and often quieter.
Itinerary
How to Book
Message Timur on WhatsApp: +995 511 272 623. Tell him your date, number of people, and any preferences (bath session, extended time at the waterfall, etc.). He will confirm with a full itinerary, departure time, and price. Deposit 10% at booking, remainder on the day of the tour. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.
Tour led by Timur Sakhvadze — licensed Georgia guide (licence No. 8247109128), rating 4.9. English & Russian-speaking, small groups up to 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter the sulfur baths during the tour?
Yes — the baths are open to visitors. A private room costs ₾15–30 per hour and includes the stone pool and changing room. The tour ends around 11:00, so you can go straight in afterwards. Timur recommends arriving at the bath before 10:00 for the best experience.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. The route is flat with no significant climbs. The waterfall, steam domes, and three religious buildings are engaging for children of all ages. The tour moves at a comfortable pace and can be adjusted for younger visitors.
What religions are represented in Abanotubani?
Within 100 metres you will find a Sunni mosque (the Jumah Mosque, 1895 — actually Shia, the only one in Georgia), the Great Synagogue of Tbilisi, and an Armenian Orthodox church. All three are active and welcome respectful visitors. This coexistence reflects Georgia's centuries-long tradition of religious tolerance.
Where is the Leghvtakhevi waterfall?
The waterfall is hidden in a gorge behind the bath domes. Most tourists walk past the entrance without noticing it — the path is unmarked and descends through a narrow canyon. Timur leads you there as part of the standard tour. It's a 10-minute walk from the main bath street.
How is this tour different from the Old Tbilisi walking tour?
The Old Tbilisi tour covers the full historic centre — Narikala fortress, Metekhi church, Sioni Cathedral. The Abanotubani tour is a deep dive into one district: the founding myth of the city, 1500 years of bath culture, and a neighbourhood where three faiths have coexisted for centuries.
Who founded Tbilisi and why is it called Tbilisi?
According to Georgian legend, King Vakhtang Gorgasali founded the city in the 5th century after his hunting falcon fell into a natural hot spring. The bird was healed by the warm sulfurous water, and the king moved his capital here. "Tbilisi" comes from the Georgian word "tbili" — warm — referring to these springs.
Book the Abanotubani Tour
Private tour from ₾135 · Up to 7 people · Timur answers within 1 hour
