150 year ago sensationally fresh air and tremendous beauty of Abastumani were dignity appreciated by Russian Empire population; consequently village resort fame was acquired long time ago. Climate is dry, not windy, with coniferous trees around, saturating air with useful substance; no heat in summer, a lot of sun in winter. Such a mild climate suits to pulmonary patients therefore a century ago the lion’s share of tourist where such kind of patients. Settlement situated on Meskheti backbone, 1300m above high sea level. Picturesque River Otskhe dean extends around.

Royal Park and wooden house of heir Tsarevich Georgi Aleksandrovich located in the Upper Abastumani. He lived here several years. According to state magazine official announcement on 28 June of 1899, 28 aged, he suddenly died on his way from Zekari Pass backward to Abbas-Tuman on gasoline engine bicycle in the face of Molokan Anna Dasoeva. Chapel from karrar marble was building in place where he died.

Abastumani sights

Saint Alexander Nevskii church is noteworthy. Built by prototype of Zarzma Monastery, situated in Abastumani surroundings. Sponsor of construction was Tsarevich Georgi; the head of construction was Sweden architect Otto Simonson. This severe and stern construction was rising during 2 years and was finished in 1898. Internal paintings is unique feature of temple, author was wonderful artist M. Nesterov. Large-scale frescoes today are not in a good state. But even today you may see on them Alexander Nevskii live scenes and growing portraits of saints.

Stony and wooden houses, where Tsarevich Georgi lived, surrounded by beautiful park are next sight of Abastumani. Houses stands in front of each other, separated by river Otskhe and don’t look like palaces; barely due to balconies graceful decoration and some small carved columns. Throne heir lived in Abastumani for 7 years, was visited by royal family members, including crowned brother and mother, Empress Maria Feodorovna. Two main buildings currently look pretty good. But subsidiary structure is half destroyed (part of it was shared with nunnery.