Abastumani

აბასთუმანი

A quiet mountain resort famous for its healing sulphur springs and a historic astrophysical observatory perched above the town. Its clean alpine air once made it a favoured retreat of Georgian royalty.

Things to do

• Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory — Tour Georgia's historic mountain observatory, founded in 1932, and view its domes and telescopes perched above the town at around 1650 metres.
• Soak in the sulphur baths — Bathe in the warm mineral sulphur springs that made Abastumani a famed healing resort since the 19th century.
• Visit the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky — See this early 20th-century church built for the Romanovs, decorated with frescoes by Mikhail Nesterov.
• Explore the royal residence ruins — Walk the grounds where the palace of Grand Duke George Alexandrovich Romanov once stood in this royal retreat.
• Hike the alpine forest trails — Follow pine-scented paths up the Adjara-Imereti ridge to breathe the clean mountain air prized for its curative qualities.
• Ride toward Zekari Pass — Take a scenic drive or trek toward the high Zekari Pass connecting Samtskhe-Javakheti with Guria and Adjara.

Food to try

• Khinkali — Juicy Georgian dumplings filled with spiced meat broth, a mountain staple best eaten by hand in local eateries.
• Ostri — A spicy, warming beef stew in a rich tomato and herb sauce, ideal for the cool alpine climate.
• Meskhuri khachapuri — The regional Samtskhe style of cheese-filled bread, often rolled or layered differently from the boat-shaped Adjarian version.
• Trout from mountain streams — Locally caught trout grilled or fried, reflecting the fresh cold waters around the resort.
• Herbal mountain tea — Infusions of wild thyme and local herbs gathered in the surrounding forests, often served after meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Come for the air, not the nightlife — Abastumani is a quiet climatic health resort, so plan a slow, restful visit centered on nature and springs.
• Confirm observatory visits ahead — Tours of the astrophysical observatory may require advance arrangement, so contact them before arriving.
• Dress warmly year-round — At over 1300 metres the evenings stay cool even in summer, so bring layers.
• Respect church etiquette — Cover shoulders and, for women, bring a headscarf when entering the St. Alexander Nevsky church.

Nearby

• Rabati Castle — 17 km
• Akhaltsikhe — 18 km
• Sapara Monastery — 24 km
• Khulo (Adjara and Guria) — 45 km