Sulphur Bathes

Sulphur Bathes

Tbilisi’s hot mineral baths were famous in the near east for centuries. According to legend, King Vakhtang Gorgasali found the water baths during the 10^th century. Arabian geographer, Ibhn Haokal, notes “There are hot waters in Tbilisi, like Toberiades, which boils without fire”. Historical sources state that there were 65 mineral baths in Tbilisi during the 13^th century. Marco Polo, the world renowned Venetian explorer, traveled extensively during the 13^th and 14^th centuries and had mentioned Tbilisi’s baths in his travels. After the invasion of Aga-Mahmad-Khan, several sulphur bathes were destroyed. During the 19^th century, numerous sulphur baths including: “Grili”, “Orbeliani”, “Erekle”, and “Meitar,” were popular attractions in Tbilisi. The baths were very popular places and where Tbilisi’s citizens gathered for local entertainment. Today it is one of the most notable places of Old Tbilisi and dually functions as a medical and hygienic institution.