Borjomi

Borjomi
Name	Borjomi
Settlement type	Town
Coordinates	41.8372, 43.3783
Subdivision name	Georgia
Subdivision type1	Mkhare
Subdivision name1	Samtskhe-Javakheti
Subdivision type2	Municipality
Subdivision name2	Borjomi Municipality
Population total	10414
Population as of	2014

Borjomi is a town in south-central Georgia, situated in the Borjomi Valley near the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. The town is surrounded by the Lesser Caucasus mountains and is known for its mineral water springs, which are similar to those found in Karlovy Vary and Baden-Baden. The town has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages, with influences from the Kingdom of Georgia, Russian Empire, and Soviet Union. The nearby Vardzia cave city and Akhaltsikhe fortress are popular tourist destinations, along with the Tbilisi-Borjomi-Akhaltsikhe railway line.

Geography

Borjomi is located in the Borjomi Valley, which is surrounded by the Lesser Caucasus mountains, including the Meskheti Range and the Trialeti Range. The town is situated near the Kura River and is close to the Turkey-Georgia border. The Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is a protected area that covers much of the surrounding landscape, including the Kharagauli and Borjomi districts. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including European beech, Oriental beech, and Caucasian salamander. The town is also near the Svaneti Range and the Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti region.

History

The history of Borjomi dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was part of the Kingdom of Georgia. The town was an important center of trade and commerce, with connections to the Silk Road and the Black Sea region. In the 19th century, Borjomi became part of the Russian Empire, and was developed as a resort town, with the construction of the Borjomi Palace and the Romanov family's summer residence. During the Soviet Union era, the town continued to develop as a resort center, with the construction of the Borjomi Sanatorium and the Borjomi Mineral Water factory. The town has also been influenced by the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Georgian Orthodox Church, and the Russian Orthodox Church.

Climate

Borjomi has a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The town is situated in a valley, which can lead to temperature inversions and fog in the winter months. The surrounding mountains, including the Lesser Caucasus and the Meskheti Range, can also affect the local climate, with snowfall and avalanches common in the winter. The town is also near the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, which can influence the climate, particularly in the summer months. The Kura River and the Borjomi River also play a role in shaping the local climate, with flooding and landslides common in the spring and summer.

Economy

The economy of Borjomi is primarily based on tourism, with the town's mineral water springs and Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park being major attractions. The town is also home to the Borjomi Mineral Water factory, which produces mineral water and other beverages. The town has a number of hotels, restaurants, and shops, catering to tourists and locals alike. The town is also connected to the Tbilisi-Borjomi-Akhaltsikhe railway line, which provides access to the Black Sea port of Poti and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. The town has also been influenced by the European Union's Eastern Partnership program and the World Bank's South Caucasus regional development program.

Tourism

Tourism is a major industry in Borjomi, with the town's mineral water springs and Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park being major attractions. The town is also home to a number of hotels, restaurants, and shops, catering to tourists and locals alike. The town has a number of museums, including the Borjomi Museum of Local History and the Borjomi Museum of Mineral Water. The town is also connected to the Tbilisi-Borjomi-Akhaltsikhe railway line, which provides access to the Black Sea port of Poti and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. The town has also been influenced by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the European Travel Commission.

Culture

The culture of Borjomi is a mix of Georgian culture, Russian culture, and Soviet culture. The town has a number of festivals and events, including the Borjomi Festival and the Borjomi Mineral Water Festival. The town is also home to a number of museums, including the Borjomi Museum of Local History and the Borjomi Museum of Mineral Water. The town has a number of churches, including the Borjomi Church and the Akhaltsikhe Church, which are influenced by the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church. The town has also been influenced by the Tbilisi State Conservatoire and the Georgian National Opera and Ballet Theater of Tbilisi.

Category:Town in Georgia