Abanotubani, Ancient bath district on the eastern bank of Mtkvari River in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Abanotubani is a neighborhood on the eastern bank of the Mtkvari River in Tbilisi, known for underground thermal baths marked by brick domes with ornate blue tiles. The geometric patterns on these tiles identify each bath, and the buildings sit directly along the riverbank.
The neighborhood began after a royal falcon fell into the hot springs, leading to Tbilisi's founding. From there, it grew into a major center for public baths that drew generations of residents.
The district displays religious diversity with Georgian Orthodox churches, Armenian sanctuaries, a Catholic church, and a mosque all standing near one another. This mix shapes the daily character of the neighborhood and shows how different faiths have shaped the same place over centuries.
Visitors should know the baths get crowded at different times, so arriving early in the morning or later in the evening works better. Most baths sit close together, making it easy to move between them.
In earlier times, there were over sixty public baths here that were free for Muslim residents. This generous practice shows how the city supported its diverse population.
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