According to the southern façade, the temple construction dates to the years 626–634, when it was built during the reign of Stephen II of Iberia.

Its artistic importance is comparable with Jvari Monastery in MtskhetasaIt is the basis of the further development of Georgian church architecture of the Middle Ages.

Such niches by the side of the apse appeared for the first time in Tsromi to later become characteristic Georgian temple decoration.

The conch of the temple altar was decorated with contemporaneous mosaic, depicting Christ and two apostles, the reserved fragments of which are kept in the Museum of Art of Georgia since 1930s.

The stairs in the northern corner lead to the choir above the narthex, meant for nobility, women and singers.