Sulphur bathhouses and blind alleys

When the Tbilisi City Hall undertook renovations of the sulphur bathhouses in the tourist area of the Old City from 2011-2012, it unearthed much more than its traditions and history. Called the Abano Street Ravine, from the mid-20th century the area around the sulphur baths were restricted to the public. Therefore the renovations aimed to create a public place for tourists and local citizens.

The Tsavkisistkskali river-bed was dredged and cleaned, which made the bathhouses and creek system visible (it is the water from the river that provides the water to the steamy hot baths). They also found a blind arcade leading to the bathhouses, fragments of an old bridge, and other interesting features.

The historical reservoir and water-system that once serviced the Old City in Tbiisi, Georgia, was also uncovered. Therefore the Dabakhana Gorge is now visible with a beautiful waterfall (which had been completely blocked and hidden, except from the Botanical Gardens). The renovation included the rehabilitation of the bridge, and the installation of pathways, wooden decks, seats, and lighting.

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