The history of the main church's construction is unknown. According to historical sources, the residence of the erismtavari of Kartli and his palace garden stood on the northern edge of Mtskheta — hence the name Samtavro. St. Nino, who came to preach Christianity in Georgia, lived here. Abibos of Nekresi, one of the Assyrian Fathers, is buried here as well. Before the October Revolution a large convent stood here.