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.
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.
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.