Walk through monumental, half-ruined Soviet spa sanatoriums near Kutaisi and taste the mineral spring that once drew crowds. This 3-hour outing blends architectural intrigue with local history and practical on-site cautions.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the train at Kutaisi and the road pulls you west toward a town that time left halfway behind. Tskaltubo’s boulevards open into hulking stone façades, colonnades flaking with paint and domes that still throw a cavernous echo. Sunlight slices through broken windows in Bathhouse No. 8; a marble stairwell in Sanatorium Medea tilts like the last act of a long play.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for general fitness — involves walking on uneven, flat ground; minimal elevation change
Wildlife
History
Tskaltubo was developed as a state spa center in the Soviet period; its sanatoriums were built around mineral springs and hosted mass therapeutic tourism from the 1930s through the 1970s.
Conservation
These buildings are fragile and subject to decay; visitors should avoid removing artifacts, stay on guided routes, and support local preservation efforts by following site rules.
Reserve your spot on the Abandoned Sanatoriums of Tskaltubo today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Sturdy footwear
Wear ankle-supporting boots — interiors have rubble, uneven thresholds and slick tile.
Bring a headlamp
Many rooms are poorly lit; a bright headlamp frees both hands for balance and photos.
Follow the guide
Buildings are partly unstable and access is regulated—stay on permitted paths to avoid hazards and respect private areas.
Respect artifacts
Do not remove objects or deface surfaces; preserving the sites keeps them accessible for future visitors.
Sturdy hiking or work boots
Protects ankles and soles from rubble and slippery tile.
Headlamp or strong flashlight
Necessary for dark interior halls and basements.
Camera with spare battery
The sites are photogenic; bring extra power for extended shooting.
Light waterproof jacket
Spring can be damp near springs and in shaded interiors; a packable jacket is useful.
spring