In the heart of Borjomi, just before the entrance to the famous Central Park, lies a square steeped in history. This vibrant yet often overlooked space has witnessed the rise of Borjomi as a renowned spa town, serving as a silent witness to the transformations of the Caucasus. Beyond the well-known Firuza House, this square harbors intriguing buildings and stories that few travelers uncover.
One of the most fascinating yet forgotten structures is a late 19th-century two-story building that once housed a storage and distribution center for Borjomi’s famous mineral water. At its peak, this site buzzed with merchants and aristocrats eager to acquire the healing waters bottled straight from the nearby springs. Though now abandoned, stepping inside reveals an unexpected treasure—an exhibition of old photographs, capturing the golden era of Borjomi as a premier health retreat for Russian and European elites.
Nearby, the lower station of Borjomi’s cable car stands as a relic of Soviet innovation. Built in the 1960s and recently restored, this aerial tramway offers a breathtaking ascent to the cliffs above, where a panoramic view of the Borjomi Gorge unfolds. What few realize is that this very cable car was part of a larger Soviet-era plan to transform Borjomi into a luxury retreat for high-ranking officials, rivaling the likes of Switzerland’s Alpine resorts.
The square itself sits on 9 April Street, a name that carries the weight of history. It commemorates the tragic events of April 9, 1989, when Soviet troops brutally suppressed a pro-independence demonstration in Tbilisi. Though far from the Georgian capital, Borjomi’s square was a gathering place for quiet protests and discussions about Georgia’s future, making it a symbolic location in the country’s struggle for sovereignty.
Despite its small size, this square is more than just a passage to the park—it is a crossroads of cultures, politics, and forgotten grandeur. Those who pause to explore its hidden corners will uncover layers of history, from imperial ambitions to Soviet dreams, and the enduring spirit of Borjomi.
In winter, a walk through Borjomi becomes a journey into a snow-covered fairytale. It begins at the historic “Firuza” house — the former residence of the Persian ambassador Mirza Riza Khan, built in 1892. This striking building, blending Persian and Georgian architectural styles, marks the elegant entrance to Borjomi Central Park.
The park itself was established in 1850 and has since become a beloved retreat for locals and visitors alike. In winter, its paths along the icy Borjomula River are lined with ancient fir trees, their branches heavy with snow, creating a serene, almost magical landscape.
Deeper into the park stands the statue of Prometheus, installed in 2007. The sculpture, depicting the mythical titan who gave fire to humanity, symbolizes Georgia’s aspirations for freedom and knowledge. Nearby, an open warm mineral spring flows year-round — a source long renowned for its therapeutic properties. In the cold season, a sip of this naturally warm, mineral-rich water offers a soothing contrast to the winter air, aiding digestion and restoring inner balance.
Further along, visitors will find the Rococo Pavilion — an ornate cast-iron structure brought from Belgium and installed in the late 19th century. Covered in frost, surrounded by snow, it becomes a poetic symbol of the era when Borjomi was rising as a health resort of imperial grandeur. In winter, this corner of the park becomes not just a place of beauty, but a living memory of history, healing, and timeless tranquility.
