It is located on a forested mountain about 1015 m above sea level, and five kilometers west of the town of Telavi, Georgia.

Shuamta means "between the mountains", which clearly refers to the isolated and picturesque location amidst the deciduous forests of Gombori of the three buildings of the old Shuamta monastery.

The largest dome-shaped church is similar in type and architecture to the Jvari monastery.

The wife of King Lewan II founded a new monastery with the name of New Shuamta.

The main church of the new monastery was built of brick.