ჭრელი აბანოს

Chreli Abano - Sulfur Baths

Useful Information

Location:	Abano St N2, Tbilisi. (41.688123, 44.810923)
Open:	All year daily 8-24. [2021]
Fee:	Public Bath: Adults GEL 5. Massage: Adults GEL 10-20. Private Bath: Adults GEL 70-400. [2021]
Classification:	Cellar
Light:	Incandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	yes
Bibliography:
Address:	Chreli Abano, Abano St N2, Tbilisi, Tel: +995-32-293-00-93. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

5th century

first baths built on the sulfuric hot springs.

Description

ჭრელი აბანოს (Chreli Abano, Colorful Baths) are the most famous baths of the აბანოთუბანი (Abanotubani, bath district). On the eastern bank of the Mtkvari River at the foot of the Tabori Hills, originally a series of sulphur springs existed. According to legend the King of Iberia, Vakhtang Gorgasali went hunting with his falcon or hawk, there are both versions. The falcon caught a pheasant and during the fight both birds fell into the hot spring. The birds died of their injuries, or probably they drowned, but in the search for the bird the King discovered the hot springs. He was so impressed by the hot water that he ordered to clear the forest and build a city around this natural wonder.

This was in the second half of the 5th century and the place became the center of the new capital. The name Tbilisi actually means warm place. The baths were built on top of the springs, series of cupolas and walls of natural stones. Today they are located below ground level with semi-circular domed ceilings and a central opening, which allows natural light to stream through and also works like a chimney causing a continuous air circulation. The water has an average temperature of 38-40 °C. The baths are not only for getting clean or as a wellness experience. They are also thought to be therapeutic against various skin ailments like acne and eczema, and also digestion, insomnia, and arthritis.

There are public baths where everyone bathes together, separated by sex of course. And there are private rooms which have a changing area, a private sauna, a plunge pool, and a private sulfur bath. Necessary equipment are swimsuit, flip flops, towel, and waterproof bag to hold your suit after use. We strongly recommend also a bottle of fresh water and soap.