რომანოვების სასახლე ლიკანში
Moorish-style 1895 summer residence on the Kura River – first electrified building in the Caucasus
The Romanov Palace (Likani Palace) is a late 19th-century architectural monument in the village of Likani, 3 km southwest of Borjomi town center. Built in 1892–1895 by French architect Léon Benois as a summer residence for Grand Duke Nicholas Mikhailovich of Russia. Total area: 690 m².
The palace is located on the grounds of the Borjomi Likani Resort & Spa hotel. Interior access is closed to tourists – the building is under restoration. You can view the exterior: façades, park, and views of the Kura River. From central Borjomi – 10 min by taxi or 30–40 min walk along Meskheti Street.
Allow 30–40 minutes for the exterior. Combines well with the Central Park and the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park visitor center.
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.
The palace interior is closed to the public. Viewing the façades from the road and riverbank is free. Guests of the Borjomi Likani Resort & Spa can see the palace from the hotel grounds. For closer exterior access, you can ask hotel security – entry is at the administration's discretion.
The palace is on private hotel grounds. Entry through the hotel gates without permission is not allowed. Photographing the façade from the road and riverbank is unrestricted. The old iron bridge over the Kura near the palace is in disrepair – crossing it is dangerous.
Minimal infrastructure. No cafés or toilets near the palace – nearest are in central Borjomi (3 km). Parking at the hotel. 4G works. The area is not wheelchair-accessible – approach via unpaved road.
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.
Practical answers about visiting, routes and time on site.
No. The palace is closed for restoration. You can view the façades from the road and riverbank for free.
If architecture interests you – yes. The Moorish façades are clearly visible from outside. The park and Kura riverbank are nearby. Allow 30–40 minutes; easy to combine with the Central Park.
Taxi – 5–7 GEL (~$2–3), 10 minutes. Walk along Meskheti Street – 30–40 minutes. No public transport runs there.
No specific date announced. Plans exist for a historical museum, but the timeline is unknown. Check with Borjomi Likani Resort & Spa.
Some furniture and personal items are exhibited at the Georgian National Museum (Simon Janashia Museum) in Tbilisi. The Borjomi Museum of Local Lore also covers the palace's history.
Yes. Borjomi Central Park – 3 km away. The Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park visitor center is on the road between the town center and the palace.
