Resort town Borjomi welcomes renovated historical Cavalry building
Built in 1880, the gothic-style Cavalry venue used to host the royal family of Emperor Nicholas II, and has been described as being a "magnificent example" of the architectural style. Photo: Ministry of Infrastructure
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The 19th century Cavalry venue in Georgia’s central-western Borjomi resort town, a cultural heritage monument known for its historical role as a summer residence for the Imperial Russian nobility, has been renovated and transformed into a museum.
Its renovation comes as part of a ₾2.8 million (0.95mln/€0.94mln) project started in 2019, the Ministry of Infrastructure announced on Tuesday, with exhibition halls, conference and educational spaces, café, library, video and audio centre set up and adapted for the museum role.
Photo: Ministry of Infrastructure
Located in Borjomi's Kostava Park, it will now house a part of a rich collection of Borjomi Local History Museum.
Built in 1880, the gothic-style Cavalry venue used to host the royal family of Emperor Nicholas II, and has been described as being a "magnificent example" of the architectural style by the Ministry.
Before renovation, the building was damaged[,] [with] its rear part partially destroyed [and] the roofs between the floors and the interior completely destroyed. During the renovation, a special importance was attached to the utmost preservation of the cultural value and authenticity of the building, through innovative approaches", the Ministry said.
Photo: Ministry of Infrastructure
Rehabilitation works will now continue in the adjacent Merab Kostava Park, where children's spaces, an amphitheatre, fountain, footpaths and other necessary infrastructure are planned to be set up.
Known for its mineral water springs as well as a link to the winter resort Bakuriani, Borjomi is home to some of the most notable historical sites and buildings in the country, including residential venues for the 19th century Russian nobility, a narrow gauge railway passing through picturesque natural landscape, and industrial production facilities.
Photo: Ministry of Infrastructure
It was announced in 2018 that these monuments and sites would be subject of a wide-ranging restoration and development project, entitled Borjomi - a Museum City.