# Tskaltubo Municipality
- URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/tskaltubo-municipality
- Type: municipality
- Region: Imereti
- Official website: https://tskaltubo.gov.ge

## History

Tskaltubo Municipality lies in central **Imereti**, immediately west of Kutaisi, with the spa town of **Tskaltubo** as its administrative centre, about 9 km from Kutaisi at roughly 98 m above sea level. The municipality covers about **707 km²** of plains and hills; the town itself lies in an oval basin surrounded by hills, where mineral springs rise to the surface. The **Gubistskali** and **Tskaltubo** rivers flow through the area. Tskaltubo borders Kutaisi to the east, Samtredia and Khoni to the west, Baghdati and Vani to the south, and Tkibuli to the east.

The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times: a copper arrowhead found in the **White Cave** and dated to the 4th–5th millennium BC is considered one of the earliest such weapons in the Caucasus. Medieval heritage includes the ruins of **Geguti**, a royal palace of the Georgian kings about 7 km south of Kutaisi, the **basilica of St John the Baptist in Derchi** (8th–9th centuries) and the 11th-century **church of Zarati**. The municipality also has house-museums of the writer **Niko Lortkipanidze** in Chuneshi and of the scientist **Giorgi Akhvlediani** in Derchi.

Tskaltubo is famous for its warm **radon-carbonate mineral springs** (about 33–35°C). It was declared an official balneological resort in **1920**, construction of the spa began in 1926, and a master plan in the early 1950s gave the town its grand park and sanatorium architecture; Tskaltubo received town status in **1953**. In the Soviet period it had 19 sanatoria and nine bathhouses, including **Bathhouse No. 6**, built in 1950 for Stalin. After 1993 many sanatoria housed people displaced from Abkhazia, and today several historic buildings are being restored.

Tskaltubo is also the gateway to some of Georgia’s most visited natural sights. **Prometheus Cave**, near the village of Kumistavi, was explored in the 1980s and reopened to visitors in **2011**; about 1.8 km of its roughly 11 km of passages, with six of its 22 halls, are open to the public. The **Sataplia** reserve, founded in **1935**, protects a karst cave and dinosaur footprints discovered in **1933**, along with a relict Colchic forest.

For travellers, Tskaltubo combines spa holidays with excursions. Visitors can take mineral-water treatments in the historic spa park, explore Prometheus Cave and Sataplia in a single day, and visit Geguti or nearby Kutaisi. Its central location makes Tskaltubo a convenient base for exploring all of Imereti.

## FAQ

**1) Where is Tskaltubo Municipality located?**
In central Imereti, immediately west of Kutaisi.

**2) What is the administrative centre?**
The spa town of Tskaltubo, about 9 km from Kutaisi.

**3) What is Tskaltubo known for?**
Its warm radon-carbonate mineral springs (about 33–35°C) and historic spa resort.

**4) When did Tskaltubo become a resort?**
It was declared an official balneological resort in 1920 and received town status in 1953.

**5) What is Bathhouse No. 6?**
A historic bathhouse built in 1950 for Stalin.

**6) Is Prometheus Cave in Tskaltubo Municipality?**
Yes, near the village of Kumistavi; about 1.8 km of the cave is open to visitors.

**7) What can be seen at Sataplia?**
A karst cave, dinosaur footprints discovered in 1933 and a relict forest; the reserve was founded in 1935.

**8) What is Geguti?**
The ruins of a medieval royal palace of the Georgian kings, about 7 km south of Kutaisi.

**9) Which old churches are there?**
The basilica of St John the Baptist in Derchi (8th–9th centuries) and the church of Zarati (11th century).

**10) Where can I find official municipal information?**
On the municipality’s official website, tskaltubo.gov.ge.

## Sources

- [Tskaltubo Municipality — official website](https://tskaltubo.gov.ge)
- [About Tskaltubo — Tskaltubo Municipality](https://tskaltubo.gov.ge/en/about-tskaltubo/)
- [Tskaltubo (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tskaltubo)
- [Tsqaltubo Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsqaltubo_Municipality)
- [Prometheus Cave (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prometheus_Cave)
- [Sataplia Strict Nature Reserve (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sataplia_Strict_Nature_Reserve)
- [Geguti (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geguti)

## Settlements

- [Banoja](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/banoja): Discover Banoja, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Bentkoula](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/bentkoula): Discover Bentkoula, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Besiauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/besiauri): Discover Besiauri, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Chashleti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/chashleti): Discover Chashleti, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Cholevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/cholevi): Discover Cholevi, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Chuneshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/chuneshi): Discover Chuneshi, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Derchi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/derchi): Discover Derchi, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Dghnorisa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/dghnorisa): Discover Dghnorisa, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Geguti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/geguti): Discover Geguti, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gubistsqali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/gubistsqali): Discover Gubistsqali, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gumati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/gumati): Discover Gumati, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gumbra](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/gumbra): Discover Gumbra, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gvishtibi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/gvishtibi): Discover Gvishtibi, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Jimastaro](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/jimastaro): Discover Jimastaro, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Khomuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/khomuli): Discover Khomuli, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kudoti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/kudoti): Discover Kudoti, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kveda Meskheti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/kveda-meskheti): Discover Kveda Meskheti, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kveda Oncheishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/kveda-oncheishi): Discover Kveda Oncheishi, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kvilishori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/kvilishori): Discover Kvilishori, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kvitiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/kvitiri): Discover Kvitiri, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Lekhidristavi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/lekhidristavi): Discover Lekhidristavi, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Maghlaki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/maghlaki): Discover Maghlaki, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mechkheri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/mechkheri): Discover Mechkheri, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mekvena](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/mekvena): Discover Mekvena, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mitsatsiteli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/mitsatsiteli): Discover Mitsatsiteli, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mukhiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/mukhiani): Discover Mukhiani, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Namokhvani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/namokhvani): Discover Namokhvani, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Nogha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/nogha): Discover Nogha, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Opshkviti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/opshkviti): Discover Opshkviti, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Opurchkheti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/opurchkheti): Discover Opurchkheti, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Partskhanaqanevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/partskhanaqanevi): Discover Partskhanaqanevi, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Patriketi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/patriketi): Discover Patriketi, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Pirveli Tsqaltubo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/pirveli-tsqaltubo): Discover Pirveli Tsqaltubo, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Qumistavi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/qumistavi): Discover Qumistavi, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Rioni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/rioni): Discover Rioni, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Sachkheuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/sachkheuri): Discover Sachkheuri, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Saqulia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/saqulia): Discover Saqulia, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Sormoni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/sormoni): Discover Sormoni, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ternali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/ternali): Discover Ternali, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tqachiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/tqachiri): Discover Tqachiri, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tskhunkuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/tskhunkuri): Discover Tskhunkuri, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ukaneti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/ukaneti): Discover Ukaneti, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Vanischala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/vanischala): Discover Vanischala, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zarati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/zarati): Discover Zarati, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zeda Meskheti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/zeda-meskheti): Discover Zeda Meskheti, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zeda Oncheishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/zeda-oncheishi): Discover Zeda Oncheishi, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zhoneti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tskaltubo-municipality/zhoneti): Discover Zhoneti, a village in Tskaltubo Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.

## This page in other languages

- [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/tskaltubo-municipality)
- [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/tskaltubo-municipality)