Abastumani

Abastumani is a small mountain resort town in southern Georgia, known for its clean air, pine forests, astronomy observatory, and peaceful atmosphere. It lies in the Meskheti mountain range at around 1,300 meters above sea level. Abastumani became famous in the 19th century as a health resort because of its dry mountain climate and fresh air. During the Russian Empire and Soviet times, many people visited for treatment and relaxation, especially for respiratory illnesses. One of the most important places there is Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory — one of the oldest observatories in the Caucasus, founded in 1932. Because the area has very little light pollution and clear skies, it’s excellent for stargazing and astronomical research.