Zarzma monastery was founded by Serapion of Zarzma, a churchman of the early feudal era, a native of Klarjeti, whose life was described by the writer and church figure Basil of Zarzma in the famous hagiographic work "The Life and Works of Our God-Clad and Blessed Father Serapion". Zarzma monastery was an important center of culture and learning, home to famous men of letters: Germane of Zarzma, Benedikte of Zarzma and others.