The entrance to Borjomi Central Park is not merely a doorway to one of Georgia’s most famous spa retreats—it is a relic of a bygone era, whispering tales of aristocratic leisure, imperial ambition, and the rise of Borjomi as a world-class health resort. Though its exact date of construction and the name of its architect remain elusive, historians trace its origins back to the mid-19th century, when the Romanov dynasty transformed this region into their private retreat.
Designed to reflect the grandeur of European spa towns, the entrance was inspired by the gateways of famous 19th-century health resorts such as Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic and Baden-Baden in Germany. The use of elegant ironwork, curved arches, and neoclassical elements was a deliberate attempt to position Borjomi as an elite European-style destination, attracting nobility and dignitaries from across the Russian Empire.
Few people know that this entrance once served as a checkpoint—only guests of high social status were allowed beyond its gates. In its heyday, guards controlled access, ensuring that only those deemed “worthy” could enter the pristine, manicured gardens and mineral water pavilions beyond. Ordinary citizens were often restricted, unless they had special permission or connections within the aristocratic circles that frequented the park.
Another fascinating yet little-known fact is that the entrance was nearly lost to history. In the Soviet era, many of Borjomi’s imperial structures were either destroyed or repurposed. However, due to the town’s status as a favored Soviet spa, the park entrance was spared, though it underwent modifications. In 2005, a full-scale restoration project brought it back to its former elegance, preserving its original design while reinforcing its structure for future generations.
Today, as visitors pass through this historic gateway, they step into a living remnant of the past—a portal not just to the lush beauty of Borjomi’s mineral springs, but to a time when this entrance was a threshold between the ordinary world and the exclusive realm of emperors, diplomats, and aristocrats.
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.
