Georgia: SANATORIUM RENOVATIONS IN TSKALTUBO

GEORGIA: SANATORIUM RENOVATIONS IN TSKALTUBO

Constructed in the 1950s, the Tskaltubo sanatoriums were once distinguished for their exclusive healing attributes, nestled in the captivating landscapes of Georgia. Despite their current state of abandonment, these structures continue to enchant visitors with remnants of Soviet architectural elements and distinctive structural designs.

Conveniently situated in Tskaltubo, the sanatorium is positioned 259.0 km away from Tbilisi airport and 22.7 km from Kutaisi airport.

In the present day, Tskaltubo has emerged as one of the most sought-after abandoned sites in Georgia. However, during the era when it was an integral part of the USSR, it enjoyed a thriving reputation as a renowned spa resort, celebrated for its therapeutic mineral waters and radon bath treatments.

Accessible to contemporary visitors through a brief marshrutka (fixed route minivan) journey from the historic city of Kutaisi in western Georgia, the town’s past reveals a different narrative. In its heyday, Tskaltubo drew in thousands from across the Soviet Union, with up to four daily trains making the journey from Moscow, exemplifying the town’s historical significance.

What to eat

Khachapuri Imeruli, hailing from the western region of Imereti in Georgia (specifically Tskaltubo and Kutaisi), stands as the most widely enjoyed rendition of Georgian cheese bread.

Beyond this classic, there exist various other versions of khachapuri, each offering a distinct culinary experience. The Megruli variety, originating from Martvili, features a delightful double cheese composition. Meanwhile, in Samegrelo (Martvili), Elarji takes center stage as one of the region’s primary dishes.

Venturing into the culinary landscape, Lobiani, prevalent in Ambrolauri, presents a simple yet flavorful combination — a mashed red bean mixture encased within a pastry. Typically, the bread takes on a round form, mirroring the familiar appearance of an Imeruli khachapuri. Crafted from a straightforward yeasted dough, this round bread maintains a commonality with its Imeruli counterpart, showcasing the diverse and delicious array of Georgian bread traditions.

Local customs, traditions, and festivals

Kutaisi is renowned primarily for its points of interest, kayaking excursions in Martvili Canyon, mountain hikes, and horseback riding in Ambrolauri.

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International Black Sea University

University team

Elizabeth Demurovi

She is a proud graduate of the Architecture Bachelor's program at the International Black Sea University. Currently, she works as an architect at XYZ Architects.

The work was organized after visiting Tskaltubo, the spa resort complex, completing various historical researches, and engaging with the local population. The architectural-structural analysis of existing buildings was conducted based on visual, photographic, and graphical information. The result of the research on stylistic-compositional solutions revealed typical elements of Soviet architecture: a combination of traditional (partly religious) and classical design components. During the research process, we discovered a wealth of new information that allowed us to broaden our understanding of the architectural history of Tskaltubo.

Elizabeth Demurovi