Main

Georgian architectural monument in the village of Zarzma (Adigeni Municipality), Kvabliani Gorge. It is a complex of a series of buildings dominated by a domed church, belfry and several single vaulted chapels. Some of them are ruined. Monk cells and refectories have not survived. According to some sources, there was a tunnel leading to the river which is by now filled with boulders.

The monastery was founded by Serapion of Zarzma, a famous monk of the feudal age. Serapion was originally from Klarjeti and his life was related to hagiographic novel by Basil of Zarzma. After selecting the location, Serapion and his brother laid foundations of the monastery. Serapion was not welcomed by the residents of neighboring territories, demanding his eviction but Serapion made a miracle to the population: One day, a rock split apart and a torrent flooded the whole settlement, “putting the population into unheard terror and despair” This is why the village was named Zarzma (In Georgian “zari” meaning terror).

“The novel describes dynamic, realistic picture of life in Samtskhe at that time. The author seems to be a master of describing landscapes. Every corner, every place the monks have stepped are depicted with great virtue”(K. Kekelidze). There are several opinions over the date of establishing the monastery (VI-VII-VIII-IX).

Construction of the monastery was largely sponsored by Giorgi Chorchaneli-a local duke who contributed villages and lands to the monastery. “Serapion introduced rules and statues of the monastery”. The monastery started to grow and hence, a new cradle of Georgian culture sprang up in those deserted places. The ancient church that has not reached us was constructed by architect Gerbaneli. The current monastery was built in the beginning of XIV century, during the reign of Beka, Prince of Samtskhe, and High Mandatory of Georgia. What has survived from the earlier monastery is the late 10th-century Georgian inscription inserted in the chapel's entrance arch. The inscription reports the military aid rendered by Georgian King David III Currapalate to the Byzantine emperor against the rebellious general Bardas Sclerus.

Zarzma Monastery represents one of the most significant monuments of its age clearly highlighting some of the new signs characteristic to Georgian Architechture: Changes into the proportions and façade ornaments, carvings, hammered-work and wall paintings , which, apart from the traditional religious cycles, portray the frescos of the Jakeli family as well as of the historical figures (Bagrat III-King of Imereti, Serapion Khurtsidze, etc) of the 16th century.

Zarzma belfry is one of the biggest in Georgia representing the best example of this kind of Georgian buildings.

In 1577, The Khurtsidze family-new patrons of Zarzma, who changed part of the old paintings with new ones, constructed arches to the first floor of the belfry and changed it into John the Harbinger Church.

In the 20th century Zarzma monastery was reconstructed, but “some of the unique characteristics of the design were lost in the process.”

Zarzma monastery used to be a hub of Georgian culture and education, hosting bibliophiles such as Germane of Zarzma, Benedict of Zarzma and others.

Currently, the importance of Zarzma is noteworthy in the process of strengthening orthodoxy and unifying the nation.