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Pinsteps. The Enigmatic Firuza House of Borjomi
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In the heart of Borjomi, adjacent to the entrance of the central park, stands the captivating Firuza House, a testament to the town’s rich history and architectural splendor. Constructed in 1892, this mansion was commissioned by Mirza Riza Khan, the Persian consul to the Caucasus, serving as his summer residence.

Mirza Riza Khan was a distinguished diplomat of the late 19th century, representing Persian interests in the Caucasus region. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen ties between Persia and its neighbors, navigating the complex political landscape of the time. The Firuza House, named after the Persian word for “turquoise,” reflects his appreciation for beauty and cultural fusion.

The mansion’s architecture is a harmonious blend of Persian and Georgian styles. Its rectangular stone structure is adorned with intricate wooden balconies, painted in a distinctive turquoise hue. The central balcony’s ceiling is embellished with vibrant turquoise stones, enhancing the building’s allure. Notably, the facade features inscriptions detailing the house’s name, the year of construction, and the owner’s identity, intricately carved into the decorative patterns.

An intriguing and tragic tale is associated with the mansion’s construction. Yusuf, the son of the renowned master craftsman Hassan, was deceitfully taken to Tiflis (now Tbilisi) during the building process. There, he and his mother, Ulduz Khanum, were murdered by a white dervish seeking to uncover a mysterious secret from Yusuf. This story adds a layer of mystique to the mansion’s history, as recounted in the novel “White, Red, Black” by Belgian author Tegül Mari.

Over the years, Firuza House has served various purposes, including functioning as a hotel, a segment of the Firuza sanatorium, and a museum. Today, it stands as a protected architectural monument, symbolizing Borjomi’s rich cultural tapestry and the enduring legacy of Mirza Riza Khan.


Pictures uploaded by @Evgeny Praisman
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Evgeny Praisman
Borjomi of Feb 24, 2025

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.

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Evgeny Praisman (author)
Здравствуйте! Меня зовут Женя, я путешественник и гид. Здесь я публикую свои путешествия и путеводители по городам и странам. Вы можете воспользоваться ими, как готовыми путеводителями, так и ресурсом для создания собственных маршрутов. Некоторые находятся в свободном доступе, некоторые открываются по промо коду. Чтобы получить промо код напишите мне сообщение на телефон +972 537907561 или на epraisman@gmail.com и я с радостью вам помогу! Иначе, зачем я всё это делаю?
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