Tskaltubo, Georgia - A Year On in the Forgotten Soviet Spa Town
Updated: Feb 17
Bathhouse No. 8, Sanatorium Meshakhte, and Hotel Aia
Exterior of Bathhouse No.8 Exterior of Sanatorium Meshakhte Exterior of Hotel Aia
Tskaltubo in Georgia, a once grand Soviet spa town, is now largely abandoned and quietly crumbling. I first visited here during my trip to Georgia last year, and returning was a dream.
Though not completely deserted, the town is filled with derelict sanatoriums (former medical leisure centres from the Soviet era) surrounded by overgrown gardens and echoing corridors. It’s known for its healing mineral waters, which once drew visitors from across the USSR.
Bathhouse No. 8
We started this visit with Bathhouse Number 8, one of the communal bathhouses that still stands near the centre of Tskaltubo. The first bathhouses here are thought to have opened in 1870, with the sanatoriums following in 1925.
In 1931, Tskaltubo was officially designated a balneotherapy centre and spa resort by the Soviet government and became one of Stalin’s favourite holiday destinations. His personal dacha still sits high on a hill overlooking the town.
Sanatorium Meshakhte
We had originally planned to camp in our tents around here but we were knackered from camping the night before and were in dire need of a shower, so found a cheap hotel to call home for the night.
Before checking out the following day, we had a few hours spare. So we grabbed our cameras and headed for Sanatorium Meshakhte, accompanied by a lovely stray dog who, to our surprise, jumped the same fence we did.
Meshakhte, also known as Sanatorium Shakhtar, is one of the largest sanatoriums in Tskaltubo and is famous for its grand theatre. Most buildings in the town don’t have security and are open for anyone to roam (with the occasional room occupied by an Abkhazian refugee), but this one’s different. It’s under guard as it’s due to be redeveloped into a hotel and casino.
Hotel Aia
After leaving Meshakhte, we headed for Hotel Aia, which features a beautiful mural depicting Georgian wine-making history. Like most of the sanatoriums, it’s mostly abandoned but partially lived in.
While exploring, we were approached by a local police officer, who didn’t seem all that bothered. He just fancied giving us a tour.
Tskaltubo remains one of the most fascinating places I've visited, with an interesting mix of glory and decay, while a few locals still call these vast Soviet-era buildings home.
Photo Gallery
For the full gallery, including both my digital and film photographs from these locations, scroll through the images below.
Bathhouse No. 8
Exterior of Bathhouse Number 8 View from the bathhouse View from the bathhouse Inside the bathhouse Circular Bathhouse Inside the Bathhouse
Sanatorium Meshakhte
The grand theatre hall of Shakhtar A ceiling to admire Stray dog in the abandoned building Tropical looking Sanatorium Shakhtar Ilia taking photos in the sanatorium The Curtain Happy dog friend A single worn armchair Stray dog by large abandoned building Grand Decaying Room A ceiling to admire Ornate room with arched windows The dog who followed us The grand theatre hall of Sanatorium Shakhtar The grand theatre hall of Sanatorium Shakhtar Elegant A ceiling to admire Elevators A grand old room A singular flower painted on the wall A happy dog lies on the floor of Sanatorium Meshakhte Sunlit doorways Grand staircase Staircase Wandering dog Serene exterior of Sanatorium Shakhtar View of the Sanatorium's exterior Sanatorium in black & white Mysterious staircase View from the balcony
Hotel Aia
Wine-making mosaic A bath on the roof Peeling wallpaper Hotel Aia, Tskaltubo An old room A bath on the roof Wine-making mosaic An old room An old room An old room An old room A view from Hotel Aia Stray dogs in Tskaltubo An old room Balancing chairs Stray dog in Tskaltubo Balancing chairs An old room Eerily empty room Elevators Wine-making mural Posters in Hotel Aia Desolate exterior of Hotel Aia Monochrome view from a Tskaltubo roof Stray dogs in Tskaltubo
If you’ve enjoyed my photography from these locations, you can support my work by purchasing a print.
Framed prints, posters, canvas prints, postcards, and even coffee mugs are available. Every purchase helps me keep exploring and sharing more of these forgotten places.
More Coming Soon
Follow along for the next post in the Caucasus Adventures series!
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