About Borjomi

Borjomi district is situated in the middlemost sector of the country, at the elevation of 800 – 1000 meters. The field covers a small part of the Lesser Caucasus, part of Trialetian and Meskhetian ridge, the so-called Tory pool and Borjomi valley.

The terrain is mostly mountainous. From village Atskuri to Tashiskari, its length is about 60 km.

The name of Borjomi Gorge first was found in documentations in 1819, and before that in the XV century it was famed as Sadgeri gorge. Archaeological studies confirm that these territory was habitable by primitive people. In II-IV centuries here was founded Tory principality, and it is for this cause that the area was yclept Tory edge. In the same centenary Borjomi Gorge together with Samtskhe-Saatabago was captured by the Ottomans and the local population were killed in combat with the enemy, and others have found refuge in Zemo Kartli and Imereti.

By the XVIII century Borjomi valley were completely empty. Existing here historical and cultural monuments were totally destroyed. In the 50-60th of the XIX century began again settlement in the area when from the Upper Imereti and Kartli in Borjomi moved 205 families.

Subsequently, there is also settled Ukrainian and Greek immigrants. In 1871 the Borjomi Valley became the possession of the Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolayevich Romanov. Within this time, the state of local farmers badly deteriorated, that in 1899 led to a peasant uprising in Tsageri and Timotesubani. In the March of 7 in 1918, the Transcaucasia Sejm proclaimed Gorge as State ownership. After the establishment of Soviet power in 192, Borjomi became a resort of national importance, thanks to its natural and mineral springs.

The area is rich in historical and Christian monuments.

In the Timotesubani is a picturesque Christian Church of the Virgin Mary, an outstanding memorial of Georgian architecture, built in the XII-XIII centuries. The dome of brick church is decorated with turquoise glazed ceramic elements. It is an active monastery, which is included in Borjomi and Bakuriani bishoprics.

On holiday Mariamoba at August 28, there are going to pilgrims from all over Georgia.

Fortress Uznariani

Of all the existing in Gudzhareti Valley castles, the most beautiful is a Uznariani fortress. Located on the feinge of Tsagveri on the left bank of Gudzharula river, on a cliff top.

At the foot of the fortress, by archeological excavations were found materials of the Bronze Age.

From the pitch of the fortress can make unique photo of the valley.

Church Potoleti is situated in Samtskhe-Javakheti, in the Borjomi municipality, 18 km north-east of it, the so-called Potoleti forest on the hillside.

Here in 1939 were found, dated X century iconostasis and triangular tiles with tips for decorating the eaves, in the depths of which are arranged facing each other, relief images of deer.

Eiffel bridge

The vieq of a unique bridge on Borjomi-Bakuriani railway leaves a lasting impression. The bridge was commissioned by Mikhail Romanov to the French engineer and builder of bridges, the creator of the eminent Eiffel Tower in Paris, Alexander Gustave Eiffel. Development of the bridge started off in 1897 on the river Tsemistskali.

Implementation of the project on the site was carried out by constructor Vissarion Keburia. From January 1902 on the narrow-gauge railway line of Borjomi-Bakuriani first started the small train named cuckoo, which to this days serves tourists and lovers of skiing.

And the bridge still keeps the name of Eiffel bridge.