It sits upon the highest hill in the vicinity and was of strategic importance.

There once stood an ancient and enormous oak tree that was worshipped as an idol of fertility and prosperity.

After the conversion of the native population to Christianity, the ancient tree was cut down so as not to worship it anymore.

A church was originally constructed in the late 7th century upon the roots of the old oak tree and was named in honor of Saint Andrew who preached Christianity and converted the pagans across the Samegrelo region.

The main Martvili-Chkondidi Cathedral (Mingrelian: Chkoni translates to "oak") was reconstructed in the 10th century after invasions that destroyed the prior church.