Akhtala (Gurjaani) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Akhtala
ახტალა
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Spa
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Akhtala mud bathes
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 Akhtala
Location in Georgia
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| Country |  Georgia |
| Region | Kakheti |
| Municipality |  Gurjaani |
| Elevation | 412 m (1,352 ft) |
| Website | akhtala.ge |
Akhtala (Georgian: ახტალა) is a famous spa located in the town of Gurjaani. This town is in Georgia's eastern region called Kakheti. Akhtala is well-known for its special mud baths. These mud baths come from volcanic activity deep underground.
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What is Akhtala?
Akhtala is a place where people go to relax and get healthy. It's famous for its unique mud baths. These baths use mud that comes from volcanoes. This mud is believed to help with different health issues.
History of Akhtala Spa
Akhtala has been known for its special mud for a very long time. People have used it for health and wellness for centuries.
Early Mentions of Akhtala
Back in 1745, a Georgian scholar named Prince Vakhushti wrote about Akhtala. He described how a special, steaming liquid came out of the ground. People even found old items like spoons and jars in it. This shows that the area had unique natural features.
Akhtala as a Spa in the 1800s
Later, in 1887, a British visitor named Oliver Wardrop saw Akhtala. He noted that it was already being used as a spa. People would visit the "muddy hollows" for "slime baths." These baths were simple round holes filled with mud. A gas with a strong smell would slowly bubble up from the mud. People used these baths to help with problems like joint pain.
Modern Development of Akhtala
In the 1920s, experts from the Georgian Institute of Resorts and Physiotherapy began studying Akhtala. They wanted to understand its potential for balneotherapy. This is a type of treatment using baths, often with mineral water or mud. They worked to develop Akhtala into a proper health resort.
In the 1990s, the Akhtala spa became a company owned by many people, called a joint stock company. Today, Akhtala continues to be a place where people can enjoy its unique volcanic mud baths for health and relaxation.
