Tsugrugasheni Monastery (Region of Kvemo Kartli)
Tsugrugasheni Monastery (Georgian: წუღრუღაშენის მონასტერი) – The Georgian Orthodox domed church located on a mountain slope on the right bank of the Poladauri River valley (Georgian: ფოლადაური). The church, dedicated to the Cross of St. George, is decorated with rich carvings. Natural colored stones were used with great care in the construction of the church. The outside is covered with hewn squares. Stylistically, the church resembles other Georgian medieval monuments. However, the Tsugrugasheni Church has an unusually high dome that has no analogues in Georgia. The church has a variety of complex stone ornamentation on the outside, especially the dome. The interior used to be painted, but the frescoes have been badly damaged over time.
Inscriptions were found on the walls of the church. Thanks to these inscriptions, scientists were able to conclude that the construction of the Tsugrugasheni temple took place during the reign of the Georgian king George IV. There is a hiding place in the monastery: on the southern side, next to the entrance door, there is a small depression the size of a fist, where the Bolnisi cross is kept, surrounded by ornaments and a Georgian inscription. In addition to the hiding place, ornaments can be found on the inner walls, the interior of the monastery is also rich in religious scenes and icons. The Tsugrugasheni temple was abandoned for many years. During this period, the temple was significantly damaged. Today, there is an active paternal monastery here. The territory adjacent to the monastery can be considered one of the most beautiful places in Georgia – the river bank looks very picturesque in the rays of the setting sun.
Kvemo Bolnisi village (Georgian: სოფელი ქვემო ბოლნისი), Municipality of Bolnisi (Georgian: ბოლნისის მუნიციპალიტეტი)
