The Samtavro Monastery is a major Orthodox Christian religious complex with a history dating back to the 4th century. Its establishment is attributed to King Mirian III of Iberia, following the nation's adoption of Christianity as the state religion. The site holds significant importance as it is associated with Saint Nino, the female evangelist credited with the conversion of Georgia. She is believed to have lived and prayed in a small chapel on the monastery grounds. The main church, the Church of the Transfiguration, was constructed in the 11th century during the reign of King George I. The monastery complex also houses the graves of King Mirian and his wife, Queen Nana, who were among the first Georgian monarchs to embrace Christianity. Throughout its long history, Samtavro has served as both a convent and a monastery. It has been a prominent spiritual and cultural center, surviving numerous invasions and periods of turmoil. The monastery is recognized as part of the Historical Monuments of Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its outstanding medieval religious architecture and its profound role in the development of Christianity in the region.