The church of the Shermazana nasoplari stands near Samtsevrisi in Bolnisi Municipality, on the site of the late medieval village of Shamirza, also known as Shermazana. Three sources confirm the name at once: an Armenian inscription on the wall of the church, late medieval documents and the map of Vakhushti.
The hall of about seven metres by five is laid of partly worked and undressed sandstone and basalt of varying size on mortar. A fragment of an early medieval relief with a Bolnisi medallion and khachkars typical of the late Middle Ages are set into the west wall, so centuries meet in a single wall.
An ashlar of yellow tuff is set at the northwestern corner. A cross and the inscription Jesus Christ are carved on its west face, while its north face carries two crosses with an Armenian inscription beneath their arms, naming Shakhmirza and a date corresponding to the year 1616.
💡 Tip
- An inscription, documents and the map of Vakhushti confirm the name
- A Bolnisi medallion and khachkars in a single wall
- An Armenian inscription with a name and a date on a tuff ashlar
🚗 Getting there
- near Samtsevrisi village, Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli
- The Build Route button will take you to the spot
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