Borjomi, a resort town located 160 km from Tbilisi in south-central Georgia, lies in the northwestern part of the Samtskhe–Javakheti region, within the Borjomi Gorge, and is part of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Known for its mineral water, Borjomi has become famous worldwide. The town’s mineral water, made from sulfuric springs, is believed to have healing properties, especially for digestive health and metabolism. Today, Borjomi mineral water is sold in over 30 countries and is considered one of the most famous export products of Georgia.
The town’s Central Park, dating back to 1850, occupies a narrow wooded valley and includes the town’s original mineral water source, Ekaterina Spring, which is straight ahead of the entrance. The park has an ecological theme and features children’s amusement rides. If you walk about 3 km upstream, you’ll find several small, spring-fed swimming pools. Borjomi Central Park was renovated and reopened in 2005. There is also a cable car leading up to a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains covered in pine trees, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature with family.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, the first national park created in independent Georgia in 1995, is one of the biggest parks in the country. Spanning over 104,099 hectares, it consists of native forest and alpine meadows, covering more than 1.5% of Georgia’s territory. The park is divided into six areas, each with well-kept trails through pristine forest containing endemic flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy camping facilities, which are well developed with lean-tos big enough to accommodate families.
Not far from Borjomi, the city of Akhaltsikhe is home to Rabati Castle, a historical fortress originally built in the 9th century. Known as Lomsia Castle at the time, it was later renamed Akhaltsikhe, meaning “New Fortress,” in the 12th century. Over the centuries, Rabati Castle has undergone many reconstructions due to wars and invasions. Today, it is a cultural and historical complex covering seven hectares. The lower part of the castle contains modern additions, including shops, cafes, and a hotel, while the upper part preserves its historical charm, featuring the Akhmediye Mosque, a 19th-century Orthodox church, Djakeli Palace, and a History Museum. The museum displays artifacts from the region’s ancient past, including Neolithic stone tools and bronze axes. Photography is not allowed inside the museum.
The castle’s four towers offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can climb the winding stairs to each tower to take in picturesque sights of Akhaltsikhe and beyond. For the best panoramic view, guests can visit the citadel roof on the western side of the fortress.
A short distance from Akhaltsikhe is Vardzia, a fascinating cave monastery complex built into the cliffs of Erusheti Mountain. Construction began in the late 12th century, and the site extended across several tiers, with over 500 rooms. The monastery also served as a fortress, providing shelter for up to 20,000 people during times of conflict. Vardzia was a significant cultural center during its peak, with contributions to literature and the arts.
Divided into two sections by the Church of the Dormition, the eastern part of Vardzia contains numerous cave dwellings and chapels, while the western section includes a pharmacy, wine cellars, and other facilities. The site suffered damage from an earthquake in the 13th century, after which the monastery gradually lost its defensive function. Today, Vardzia is a protected historical site, recognized as a memorial estate since 1938, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience its history and stunning location.