Tsugrugasheni (წუღრუღაშენი) is a remarkable 13th-century church located in the Bolnisi district of Georgia. Although it functions as a monastery, the monastic buildings are few and unobtrusive, making it more logical to regard Tsugrugasheni primarily as a church. Much like the renowned churches of Pitareti or Gudareshi, it represents a final flourish of Georgian architecture during the Golden Age. Today, this church finds itself somewhat overshadowed by the famous Bolnisi Sioni, almost serving as an annex to it.
The church is believed to have been constructed between 1212 and 1222 during the reign of King George IV. There are indications that it underwent slight renovations later on, as the decorations on the dome differ stylistically from those of the facades. Unfortunately, this is nearly all that is known about the history of this significant site.
The area surrounding the monastery deserves special mention. Perched on a mountainside, the church overlooks the entire valley and the banks of the Tskali River, offering breathtaking views of some of the most picturesque landscapes in Georgia. The Tsugrugasheni Monastery is enclosed by a modest stone wall and features two entrances: the newer southern gate and the more intriguing old western gate, which is adorned with hanging bells. All monastic structures are discreetly situated behind the church, with the primary focus being the temple itself, which is embellished with intricate stone carvings.
Interestingly, the style of the decorative motifs and certain details of the dome suggest that the church may have undergone renovations at a later date. The interior of the church is quite modest, featuring a few wall paintings and two large icons. The walls are inscribed with texts mentioning notable figures such as King George and the church’s builder, A. Khasan. These inscriptions have allowed scholars to ascertain the construction date, linking it to the 13th century during the reign of King George Lasha, specifically between 1212 and 1222.
Like many Georgian landmarks, Tsugrugasheni is enveloped in mysteries and legends. One intriguing feature of the monastery is a hidden niche located on the southern side near the entrance. This small, fist-sized indentation houses the Bolnisi Cross, surrounded by ornate decorations and Georgian inscriptions. In addition to this secret compartment, decorative motifs can be found on the interior walls, enriching the monastery’s ambiance with religious themes and icons.