Picture this: a place where history, nature, and culture dance together in an intricate ballet, deep within the heart of the earth. Welcome to Tetra Cave, a remarkable ecotourism space in Georgia that will have you raising your glass in awe.
Just a short 1.6 kilometers (approximately 1 mile) from the world-class balneological resort of Tskaltubo in Imereti, lies the gateway to an extraordinary adventure. After marveling at the renowned "Prometheus" and "Sataplia" caves, add a dash of special to your trip by exploring Tetra Cave - a journey that intertwines the threads of history and natural beauty.
Tetra Cave, the first of its kind in Georgia and indeed, Europe, introduces an alluring innovative service – the opportunity to taste wines aged under the constant temperatures of the cave. Here, nestled 140 meters (459 feet) above sea level within the Sataphlia-Tskaltubo karst massif, the wines mature gracefully in the 13-14 degrees Celsius (55-57 degrees Fahrenheit) coolness, yielding an exquisite flavour profile.
But that's not all. Tetra Cave is also a haven for speleo-rehabilitation, a therapeutic process that uses the unique climatic conditions within caves to improve health. This comes as no surprise, as the cave has been a health resort for patients with bronchial asthma and hypertension for a century, thanks to the ionizing conditions and radon content that are beneficial for therapeutic purposes.
As you explore the cave's 25-meter (82 feet) long and 3.5-meter (11.5 feet) high expanse, you'll encounter natural masterpieces like beautiful stalactites and stalagmites that dot the cave like jewels on a crown. The cave's chalk limestone structure bathes everything in a resplendent white, further enhancing the magical atmosphere within.
The Tetra Cave's rich biodiversity also contributes to its charm. Be on the lookout for cave-dwelling creatures like Trachysphaera, Colchidoniscus, Neobisium, Aedes, Dolichopoda, and more.
In addition to its natural allure, Tetra Cave boasts an intriguing archaeological history. From pottery remnants to bones of various animals like cave bears, deers, bisons, and more, the cave is a veritable treasure trove of ancient artifacts. One significant find is a copper arrowhead, a testament to ancient copper processing technology.
During the Soviet era, the Tetra Cave served as a training center for cosmonauts, a nod to its strategic importance and unique characteristics. Today, the cave has been adapted to be accessible for people with disabilities, complete with fire and emergency safety systems and modern internal lighting.
In a nutshell, Tetra Cave offers a blend of thrilling adventure, ancient history, therapeutic relaxation, and oenological delights. It's not just a cave, it's a subterranean world brimming with stories, waiting for you to discover. So, get ready to raise a glass to this wondrous cave that's so much more than meets the eye.
