The monastery of the Holy cross, associated with the name of Shota Rustaveli, dear to every Georgian, but belongs to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem (Greek Orthodox Church).

It is situated on the West of Jerusalem, between the rich residential district and government buildings. However, in ancient times it was remote from the city and secluded place. And very important to Christian tradition holds that it was here that grew the tree that made the cross for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The first monastery was built here in the fourth century – as legend has it, by order of Emperor Constantine. Later the Persians, and the Arabs kill the monks and destroyed the building.

A new monastery on the ruins built in the XI century Georgian monk George shauteli (money for the construction was given to the Georgian king Bagrat IV Kuropalat). And in the XII century, as many historians believe, there appeared the great Georgian poet, author of the famous poem "the knight in the Panther's skin" by Shota Rustaveli. Very likely, he was an important official at the court of Queen Tamar. According to one version, he became a monk of the hopeless love to the Queen, on the other, more realistic, came to the monastery to personally lead another of his recovery. It is believed that he is buried here, although there is no evidence.

In XIII – XIV centuries, the monastery flourished, there was going to monks – the best Georgian scientists and poets. However, by the sixteenth century, the monastery fell into decay. At this time, ceased its funding from Georgia, had to sell part of the property (and they were extensive), to get into debt. To give them failed – with creditors paid Greek Orthodox Church, which has since been owned by the monastery. She opened it for visitors.

From a distance it looks like a fortress. He was built like a fortress, although it didn't help: conquered the monastery more than once, for a while there was even a mosque. Behind the thick walls stands the bell tower of the XIX century in the Baroque style. Usually visitors can explore the courtyard, the monks ' cells, an ancient well, the former refectory of the long marble table, lots of vintage items monastic life, an impressive Church with a stone vaulted dome. Mosaic floor in the Church remained from the first, the Byzantine monastery. They say that is embedded in a mosaic of dark spots is the blood of the monks scored in the eighth century Arab crowd. Special room marks the spot where, according to legend, grew the Tree of the cross (as stated in the Apocrypha, planted and grown a Lot).

On one of the columns, the mural depicts the Shota Rustaveli is the only surviving portrait of the poet. In 2004, he was savagely damaged: destroyed face and a portion of the inscriptions in the Georgian language. Officially no one was charged but similar has happened here in the XX century, when the Georgian inscriptions on the frescoes washed and replaced Greek.