GEORGIA
Vacations and Sightseeing
Vacations and Sightseeing
| Basic information | |
| Official language | Georgian |
| Capital | Tbilisi |
| Area | 69.700 km² |
| Population | 3,976,387 (2021) |
| Currency | lari (GEL) |
| Web | .ge |
| Code. | GEO |
| Tel. | +995 |
Cities in GEORGIA
| Tbilisi |
Vacations and Sightseeing
Before 1991, the Black Sea coast was a popular holiday destination for people from all over the Soviet Union. At its peak, about 3.5 million tourists came to this area. Especially in the summer, places like Sukhumi, Batumi, Pitsoenda and Gagra were flooded with people attracted by the warm sea water, beautiful beaches and sunny climate. The higher areas were popular for skiing, climbing and hiking. Spa resorts such as Chaltubo, Borzhomi, Abastoemani, Pasanauri and Bakurian are also popular, as are several winter sports resorts and centres of ancient culture, such as the former capital Mtskjeta near Tbilisi.
Political unrest and conflicts, especially with Abkhazia, have brought the tourism industry to the brink of collapse. Only when these problems are resolved can tourism become one of the main pillars of the Georgian economy.
Tbilisi is derived from the old Georgian word T'pilisi, which refers to the city's sulphurous hot springs. The natural hot sulphur springs, from which Tbilisi got its name, are very special. Around the springs are several bath houses that are still in use. The springs have a constant temperature of between 38 and 40 degrees. The water is said to have a healing effect because of the temperature, the sulphur and the minerals. It is said to relieve or even cure all kinds of ailments, including psoriasis, rheumatism and eczema.
There are many special historic buildings in Tbilisi, including the Sioni Cathedral in the historic Kala district. The church is said to date from the 7th century, but it is assumed that in centuries past there were also churches on the site. The first church is said to have been built under King Vachtang I Gorgasali in the 5th century. After the 7th century, the cathedral was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The architectural style of the Sioniki Cathedral is quite restrained. The reliefs include a lion and the Archangel. The north tower was built by Alexander I. The second tower on the north-western side has classicist features and was built in 1812. All this makes the Sioniki Cathedral a special fusion of different times and building styles. Read more on the Tbilisi page.
Sources
Bronnen
Burford, T. / Georgia
Bradt Publications
Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan
Lonely Planet
Rosen, R. / Georgia
Odyssey Publications
Spilling, M. / Georgia
Marshall Cavendish
CIA - World Factbook
BBC - Country Profiles
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