♨️ The Secret Beneath Tbilisi
What if I told you that the story of Tbilisi began with hot water?
Hidden beneath the beautiful streets of Old Tbilisi are the famous sulfur baths of Abanotubani — a tradition dating back almost 1,500 years.
According to Georgian legend, in the 5th century, King Vakhtang Gorgasali discovered these naturally hot springs while hunting. Amazed by the warm waters, he decided to build a city here.
The name Tbilisi comes from the Georgian word “tbili,” meaning warm or hot.
For centuries, people have come here to bathe, relax and enjoy the mineral-rich waters. By the 12th century, the area was home to around 65 bathhouses.
Today, the iconic domed bathhouses remain one of the symbols of Old Tbilisi.
And the water?
It comes naturally from deep beneath the earth — warm and rich in sulfur and minerals.
Traditionally, these baths have been valued for relaxation, skin care, well-being and easing muscle tension.
But for me, perhaps the most beautiful benefit is much simpler:
To slow down.
To breathe.
To feel the warmth.
And to be present.
Because when you enter these waters, you are not simply taking a bath.
You are touching a piece of history that has been alive for almost 1,500 years.
♨️ Abanotubani — where the warm waters gave Tbilisi its name.
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