Tskaltubo Bathhouse No. 8: The Soviet-Era Radon Spa Left in Ruins
Bathhouse No. 8 in the resort park, resembling a flying saucer, looked very progressive for its time (built in 1959). While monumental sanatoriums like “Medea” were still being constructed, this building stood out with its functionalist design and completely unconventional forms.
The interior, accessible through four entrances, was divided into quarters. Each of the four sections housed 28 baths, allowing the facility to serve 112 patients at once—or up to 134 people per hour. Water was supplied directly from underground wells without heating, with a natural temperature of 34.6°C (94.3°F). Visitors took individual baths under strict medical supervision. The cabins were intentionally designed for sitting, as radon water was not supposed to reach the heart area. It appears that separate sessions were organized for men and women—at least, vintage photographs show only men using the baths.
In 2021, Bathhouse No. 8 was granted cultural heritage status. However, no restoration work has been planned or carried out to this day.
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