Doliskana, as a settlement, also predated the construction of the monastery. According to the son of Sumbat, David, in January 826, the army of Ashot Kurapalat was stationed in the territory of Doliskana when he was suddenly killed by enemies. The monastery has stood here since the 10th century, although the exact date of its foundation is undetermined and several versions exist.[1]
On the exterior walls of the church are several short inscriptions in Georgian Asomtavruli script. One mentions the prince and titular king Sumbat I of Iberia.[2] The inscriptions have been dated to the first half of the 10th century.[3]