Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory — Attraction in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Honest review and Tips: Read it like it for other to see.

Place is amazing. Unfortunately poorly organized:

Website, soc medias: rarely up to date. There are two types of tours:

Morning: costs* 10 per adult, only include museum tour and stories

Evening: costs* 20 per adult. You get to see moon and maybe some other planets depending on period.

For evening tours: Consider arriving late 9 pm. is the worst time to visit, many people bring kids by this time so 9 pm. Is the most crowded. There is no advance telling about how queues should be organized and there is no place to sit to wait either.

Costs and payments: the minimum group size is 5 so if you are less then 5 you will have to pay for rest sits. how to pay is another problem. Only cash and you must have exact amount +1 gel i. Cash!

Pro tip: Find out who is main guide in shift in advance by calling numbers on website. Plan to visit at 12...

Oldest telescope in the entire Soviet Union 🔭🏚️

Georgia is the home of this 1937 german-built telescope which has survived the decades and is still somewhat functional... I say somewhat because you really cannot use it to see far away planets galaxies are nebulous today buuuut the building that houses this bad girl is quite beautiful and fully functional. The doors open. The roof rotates. The floor climbs and descends 🤘

With the 10 Lari tour in the museum you can see some actual meteorites as well as several other smaller telescopes. The ride up here on the motorcycle is exquisite with brand new pavement on crazy twisty George asphalt goodness 🇬🇪🛵💨

It's not always possible to get a tour to this bad girl but if you're lucky enough to show up at the right time at the right place with the right people I can report back the juice is definitely worth the...

This was my second time touring the observatory, and once again it was an exceptional experience! Staff are extremely passionate, and it's great to see their work is being recognised again with increased funding and a new telescope.

No need to book a tour in advance during summer, just show up and the guide will come to you (you might have to wait at the gate – unfortunately the security guards are not as friendly!). Staff are communicative via WhatsApp if you have any questions.

We had a great tour of the museum in English, and were able to use the telescope to view Venus during the day. Come at night (ideally in July/August) for the best stargazing. The road up is sealed but a little uneven and windy, so be extra careful if you're...