Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia’s staunchly pro-Western president, envisioned his country — and especially Tbilisi — as a vibrant, modern, and easily recognizable destination for Western tourists. Deeply inspired by European culture and symbols, he sought to embed global narratives into the local landscape. One of the most telling examples of this vision was his fascination with the myth of Prometheus — a titan who defied the gods to bring fire to humanity, embodying rebellion, sacrifice, and enlightenment.
On November 23, 2007, with Polish President Lech Kaczyński by his side, Saakashvili unveiled a statue of Prometheus on the right bank of the Kura River in Tbilisi, near the Queen Tamar Bridge. It was meant to symbolize Georgia’s striving for progress and defiance against oppression. But the statue didn’t resonate with the capital’s atmosphere. Within two years, Prometheus was quietly removed and relocated to Borjomi.
At the same time, Saakashvili had ambitious plans to transform Borjomi into a Georgian version of Baden-Baden — a European-style spa resort that would attract international visitors. Yet, Borjomi never quite became the Baden-Baden of the Caucasus, and Prometheus never soared into the skies as a national symbol. Instead, the titan now rests peacefully in the lush Borjomi Park, tucked into the rock near a waterfall — a myth frozen in time, in a dream that never fully came true.
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.
