Tskaltubo is a small town in Georgia that feels like it's caught between two worlds. On one side, there's the rich history of a place that once thrived as a premier Soviet health resort, drawing visitors from across the Soviet Union to its luxurious sanatoriums. On the other, there's the eerie, abandoned landscape left behind after the fall of the USSR, where these grand buildings now stand as haunting reminders of a past era.
Lets explore the story of Tskaltubo—from its rise as a wellness destination to its decline and abandonment, and the recent efforts to bring these sanatoriums back to life. But with restoration comes a new challenge: access to these historic sites is becoming increasingly limited, and soon, they may be off-limits to visitors altogether.
The Rise of Tskaltubo: A Brief History
Tskaltubo's story as a health resort began in the early 20th century, when the Soviet government identified the town's unique mineral springs as a natural treasure. These springs, rich in healing properties, became the foundation for what would soon be a series of grand sanatoriums. The Soviet Union, keen on promoting public health and wellness, saw Tskaltubo as the perfect place to build a network of resorts dedicated to treating a range of ailments—from arthritis to heart conditions.
Construction of these sanatoriums took off in the 1940s and 1950s. Designed with a mix of grandeur and functionality, they were meant to provide not just medical care, but also a luxurious retreat for the Soviet elite. These buildings, with their imposing facades, expansive gardens, and elegant interiors, became symbols of the Soviet commitment to health and wellness.
During their peak years, Tskaltubo's sanatoriums were bustling with life. Thousands of visitors from across the Soviet Union flocked to the town each year, seeking the therapeutic benefits of the mineral baths and treatments. The sanatoriums were more than just medical facilities—they were places where people came to relax, rejuvenate, and escape the pressures of daily life. For a time, Tskaltubo stood at the forefront of Soviet health tourism, a shining example of the state’s dedication to its people’s well-being.
The Decline and Abandonment
The collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s brought drastic changes to Tskaltubo. With the dissolution of the USSR came an economic downturn that hit hard across the former Soviet states. The centralized funding that had once maintained the grand sanatoriums in Tskaltubo vanished almost overnight, leaving these once-bustling resorts to fend for themselves. Without the financial support of the state, the sanatoriums couldn’t keep up with the costs of operation and maintenance. Slowly, they were abandoned, their doors closed, and their once-thriving corridors emptied.
Today, the sanatoriums stand in stark contrast to their former glory. Once-pristine gardens are now overgrown with weeds, and the grand facades have given way to crumbling walls and broken windows. Inside, the decay is even more apparent—peeling paint, rusting metal, and rooms filled with debris create an atmosphere that’s both haunting and melancholic. Walking through these abandoned buildings, there’s a heavy silence that hangs in the air, a reminder of the life that used to fill these spaces but is now long gone. What was once a symbol of health and vitality has become a ghostly remnant of a past era, slowly being reclaimed by nature.
Restoration and Revival Efforts
In recent years, Tskaltubo has caught the attention of investors looking to breathe new life into the town's abandoned sanatoriums. These investors see potential in what these structures once represented—a place of healing, relaxation, and luxury. With the global rise in wellness tourism, there's a renewed interest in transforming Tskaltubo back into a destination for those seeking both health benefits and a touch of history.
The plans for restoration are ambitious. The goal is to revive these decaying buildings and turn them into high-end wellness resorts that can attract visitors from around the world. This means not just repairing the physical structures but also reimagining them for a modern audience—luxurious spas, state-of-the-art wellness facilities, and elegant accommodations that blend the historic charm of the sanatoriums with contemporary comforts. The vision is to make Tskaltubo a sought-after destination once again, where people can come to unwind, rejuvenate, and experience the unique legacy of this once-famous resort town.
Decreasing Accessibility
As the restoration of Tskaltubo's sanatoriums progresses, there’s a downside for those who have been drawn to these abandoned sites for their eerie beauty and historical significance. With many of the buildings now under private ownership, access is becoming increasingly restricted. What were once open and freely accessible ruins are now being fenced off as construction crews move in to begin the transformation process.
For explorers and history enthusiasts, this shift means that visiting these sites is becoming more challenging. In some cases, entire sections of the sanatoriums are now off-limits, with security personnel on-site to enforce these new boundaries. The freedom to wander through these forgotten spaces, to photograph their decay and imagine their past, is quickly disappearing.
The reality is that as more of these properties are bought and restored, access will likely become even more limited. In the near future, these sites might be completely off-limits to the public, reserved only for guests of the new luxury resorts that will take their place. Some recent visitors have already reported being turned away at gates that were once wide open, a sign of the changes to come. For those who want to see Tskaltubo's sanatoriums in their current state, time is running out.
How to Get There
If you're planning to explore Tskaltubo while it's still accessible, getting there from Kutaisi is pretty simple. The town is only about a 15-minute drive away, making it an easy day trip.
You have a couple of options for how to visit. One way is to hire a local guide or join a tour. This is a great choice if you want a more structured experience, as guides can provide valuable insights into the history of the sanatoriums and ensure you have safe access to the areas that are still open to the public.
On the other hand, if you're more of a solo adventurer, you can make the trip on your own. Just be aware that some parts of the sanatoriums may be off-limits due to ongoing restoration work, and access can vary from day to day. It’s a good idea to have a map or GPS handy and to be prepared for the possibility of encountering restricted areas.
Tskaltubo’s sanatoriums hold a unique place in history, standing as silent witnesses to a bygone era. As restoration efforts continue, the chance to explore these fascinating sites in their abandoned state is rapidly dwindling. If you’re captivated by history, architecture, or simply the allure of forgotten places, now is the time to visit before these grand buildings are transformed and access becomes restricted.
We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have you visited Tskaltubo’s sanatoriums? Are you planning a trip? What do you think about the restoration efforts? Share your stories and insights in the comments below.