Romanov Palace in Likani

The palace sits on the right bank of the Kura River, surrounded by a coniferous park. The architectural style is Moorish: each façade has a different shape and ornamentation, with European (mainly French) design elements adapted for the humid subtropical climate. Open galleries, balconies with carved latticework, and high ceilings for air circulation.

Inside (not accessible): a collection of royal antiques including a table gifted by Napoleon, a chair from an Iranian sheikh, and furniture handcrafted by Peter the Great. The Grand Duke's study was later used by Stalin as a summer office. The "butterfly bedroom" has walls painted with dozens of unique Caucasian butterfly species. A curious double armchair called the "quarrel chair" – partners sit back to back.

Tree-lined alleys lead from the palace to the river through an overgrown park. Nearby: the ruins of a Soviet-era sanatorium building and an old iron bridge over the Kura (dilapidated, unsafe to cross). Some of the palace furniture is exhibited at the Georgian National Museum in Tbilisi.

Architect – Léon Benois, one of the Russian Empire's leading architects, known for works in St. Petersburg

Style – Moorish, each of the four façades has a unique form and decoration

Electricity – in 1898, the first hydroelectric power plant in the Russian Empire was built in Likani to illuminate the palace

Area – 690 m², with parkland and riverfront alleys along the Kura

Stalin – used the palace as a summer retreat during the Soviet era

The palace was built in 1892–1895 for Grand Duke Nicholas Mikhailovich – grandson of Nicholas I and a noted historian and entomologist. Architect Léon Benois designed it in Moorish style with French influences. Nearby lived Grand Duke George Nikolaevich, who was treating his tuberculosis in Borjomi's mountain climate. In 1898, a hydroelectric power plant was built to supply the palace with electricity – the first such plant in the Russian Empire.

After the 1917 revolution, the palace became state property. During the Soviet era, it served as Stalin's summer residence, then as a government sanatorium. Following the USSR's collapse, the building passed into private ownership – the Borjomi Likani Resort & Spa hotel now occupies the surrounding grounds. The palace is currently under restoration, with plans to convert it into a historical museum, though no opening date has been announced.

From central Borjomi (3 km, 10 minutes):

– Taxi – 5–7 GEL (~$2–3)

– Walk along Meskheti Street – 30–40 minutes

– No direct public transport

From Tbilisi (160 km):

– First reach Borjomi, then taxi to Likani

– By rental car – parking at the hotel

Season: April–October – the park is green, comfortable walking weather. In winter the grounds look neglected.

Time of day: Morning for soft light on the façade. Combine with a visit to the Central Park.

Duration: 30–40 minutes for exterior viewing and photos.

Avoid: No special restrictions. The dirt path to the river gets muddy after rain.