Ossetia sights. Ten reasons to see South Ossetia with your own eyes

Capital North Ossetia is considered to be one of the pearls North Caucasus... Marvelous beautiful city, the quarters of which stretch along the banks of the turbulent Terek near the picturesque Darial Gorge, is extremely interesting from a tourist point of view. Acquaintance with the sights of Vladikavkaz, photos and descriptions of which you will see below, will not only allow you to get aesthetic pleasure. Having been here, you can comprehend the soul of a proud, hospitable people who have long inhabited this wonderful land.

There is something to admire in the city, which grew out of a powerful fortress founded in 1874, which His Serene Highness Prince Potemkin considered the key to the entire North Caucasus. You should start acquaintance with it by visiting the most interesting places of Vladikavkaz, which are its recognizable symbols.

Address: Pliev Square. Stop of the transport "TSUM".

The blessed land gave the world many brave warriors who glorified the homeland of the Alans. One of them is the combat general Issa Pliev, who commanded the mechanized cavalry corps during the Second World War, which terrified the vaunted Nazi warriors. The monument to the great compatriot appeared on the Vladikavkaz embankment in 1998. The highest of several stone trapezoidal steles symbolizing mountains is crowned with a sculpture depicting Pliev galloping on a horse. A burka is developing behind the general's shoulders, he spurred on his faithful comrade, who is already ready to jump over the Terek. The composition of the sculptors B. Totiev and N. Khodov amazingly conveys the expression of the moment.

This attraction was presented to Vladikavkaz by nature itself. Table Mountain is considered one of the most picturesque peaks of the Rocky Range. It rises to 2,933 km and is perfectly visible from anywhere in the city. Especially beautiful is the mountain depicted on the coat of arms of the capital of North Ossetia and has long become one of its main symbols at sunset. Be sure to come at this time to the bridge over the Terek to enjoy the stunning spectacle.

Sculpture "Fatima, giving the sun"

Address: st. Iristonskaya. Transport stop "Ulitsa Elkhotovskaya".

At the entrance from Beslan, tourists are greeted by another iconic landmark of Vladikavkaz. In the center of a small platform lined with slabs, there is a cube. Above it is a stylized sculpture of a beautiful Ossetian girl. A beauty in national dress raises a solar disk above her head, into which a mountain peak is inscribed. The townspeople affectionately call the graceful metal installation "Fatya". According to the Nart epic, the Caucasus is considered the abode of the gods. Magnificent Fatima, as it were, donates sunlight to the inhabitants of the city and its many guests.

Address: st. Kotsoeva, 62. Transport stop "Street Nalchikskaya".

In the spring, the wayward Terek floods widely, and its rough waters easily demolish even serious crossings. Therefore, in the middle of the XIX century. the city authorities decided to save the residents of Vladikavkaz from annual disasters by installing a capital bridge. Cast iron elements were ordered in London and already in 1863 the engineering structure was opened. It owes its name to the wife of the then governor of the Caucasus Olga Fedorovna. An amazingly graceful structure with a span of 52 m for more than a century was one of the main attractions of the city, but, over time, it began to deteriorate. Instead, a new reinforced concrete structure was erected nearby. Part of the spans of the old bridge was installed in the village of Suargomskoye and in the Kabansky gorge, and two of them you can admire today at the Sunni mosque.

Address: Lenin Square. Transport stop "Lenin Square".

A simple fountain on Lenin Square, where the townspeople liked to make appointments and important meetings, existed for a long time. However, at the beginning of this century, the authorities decided to replace it with something more distinctive. So in 2007 Vladikavkaz acquired another landmark landmark. The dominant feature of the magnificent sculptural composition is the figure of the mighty hero Soslan, who dances with a sword in his hand on the Uatsomonga bowl. According to legend, the wondrous vessel was filled with a drink that gives great strength if the sleds told true stories about their exploits. Otherwise, a fetid liquid appeared in it, teeming with toads, lizards. Geysers gush from nozzles at the base of the bowl and from the gaping mouths of fairy-tale creatures sitting around the perimeter of the circular pool.

Stunning temples and mosques

For a long time, representatives of peoples professing different religions have lived in this beautiful city in friendship. Therefore, there are quite a few wonderful temples here. The mosques and churches of Vladikavkaz are original and in no way inferior in splendor to religious buildings or.

Opening hours: daily.
Phone: +7 867 275-77-73.
Site:
Address: st. Kotsoeva, 62. Transport stop "Main post office".

The temple is not only an important religious building, but also the main architectural pearl of Vladikavkaz. The mosque, consecrated in 1908, built at the expense of M. Mukhtarov, a businessman-millionaire from Azerbaijan, amazes with the elegance of the exterior and the splendor of the facade. Its main dome, 16.5 m high, is crowned with a gilded crescent. The same Islamic symbols adorn the slender 33-meter minarets with elegant balconies. The temple has a difficult history. At first, it was almost demolished in 1934, and 62 years later, unknown persons tried to blow up the building. The main relic of the mosque is the Koran brought from Istanbul, the suras in which are written in gold letters.

Opening hours: daily, from 8:00 to 18:00.
Phone: +7 867 225-63-63.
Address: st. Barbasheva, 38. Transport stop "Republican Clinical Hospital".

When at the end of the last century it was decided to build a new Cathedral, they decided to take as a basis the appearance of the temple of the Archangel Michael, lost in Soviet times. The new building, the construction of which was completed in 2003, is not inferior in elegance to its predecessor. The five-domed church with gilded domes, combining Russian and Byzantine architectural traditions in its exterior, looks great. Since 2010, the cathedral's reliquaries have kept particles of the relics of St. George the Victorious.

Phone: +7 867 253-38-01.
Address: st. Armenian, 1. Transport stop "Shtyba Square".

Historically, there have always been many Armenians in the city. Therefore, it is not surprising that even at the beginning of the 18th century. in Vladikavkaz, a wooden temple appeared, which belonged to the Armenian Apostolic Church. Over time, the diaspora grew, and the question of building a more spacious church became acute. By 1868, its construction was completed. The exterior details of the red brick building clearly indicate denominational affiliation. Intricate portals, narrow high windows, conical domes, and peculiar crosses are indispensable attributes of authentic Armenian religious architecture. When visiting the temple, be sure to see the dolomite altar and khachkar - a reminder of the Armenian Genocide by the Turks.

Opening hours: daily, from 7:00 to 19:00.
Phone: +7 867 254-98-67.
Website: http://www.osethram.ru
Address: st. Voikova, 22. Transport stop "Secondary School No. 13".

The oldest city church, erected in 1812, is especially revered by the townspeople. First, there are tombs of famous natives of North Ossetia around it. Secondly, the temple is the only historical building from the complex of the fortress, which gave rise to Vladikavkaz, which has survived to this day. Fate spared the interiors of the church, since in Soviet times, not workshops and warehouses, but a museum were housed within its walls. In 1993 it was returned to the parishioners. The main temple shrine is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Mozdok.

Architecture and monuments: what to see in Vladikavkaz

Excursions to interesting places in Vladikavkaz will delight connoisseurs of architecture and monuments. The city has a lot to see and admire.

Address: Prospekt Mira, 19. Transport stop "Gorky Street".

Walking along Prospekt Mira, it is easy to admire a wonderful example of architectural modernism - the building of the Imperial Hotel. A luxurious mansion with openwork stucco molding and a dome immediately attracts the eye. At the time of its opening in 1886, the hotel was considered the most elite of all such establishments in the city. Its rooms were striking with the splendor of decoration and furnishings. There was a luxurious restaurant at the hotel, where a symphony orchestra played for guests, variety artists performed, as well as a billiard room with marble tables.

Address: st. Markova, 24. Transport stop "Railway station".

Direct railway communication between Vladikavkaz and Vladikavkaz was established as early as 1875. At the same time, the station building was also built of brick, which had served well for almost a hundred years. However, by the middle of the last century, it began to decay. After the reconstruction, not only the structure itself was transformed, but also the entire station area. The new building in the magnificent Stalinist Empire style with an attic and an elegant portico supported by twin columns has become a real gem of the city.

Address: Prospect Mira, 7. Stop of the transport "Ulitsa Gorkogo".

On the streets of Vladikavkaz, you can see many buildings reminiscent of the richest industrialist and philanthropist Baron Steingel. Unfortunately, the magnificent palace he presented to the city was destroyed, but the elegant house, which since 1908 has been considered a highlight of the city's architecture, has survived. Nowadays, a beautiful mansion with a Gothic tower-bay window and openwork structures above the entrance, crowned with two symmetrical hipped-roof domes resting on slender columns, is occupied by the administration of the park K. Khetagurov.

Address: intersection of Costa Avenue and st. Krasnogvardeyskaya. Stop of the transport "House of the press".

On the eve of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Great Victory, the Glory Memorial was solemnly opened in the city, which immediately became one of the main attractions of Vladikavkaz. You can get to its territory through the massive Arc de Triomphe, faced with polished granite. On the east side, the monumental park composition is surrounded by a wall with a decorative panel that tells in pictures about the history of the defense and liberation of the North Caucasus during the Second World War. The dominant feature of the memorial is an openwork column crowned with an equestrian statue of George the Victorious. In addition, here you can see the bas-relief "Poets and Writers Who Visited Vladikavkaz", as well as a magnificent composition of bronze sculptures "Ambassadors at the Empress."

Address: Shtyba Square. Transport stop "Shtyba Square".

Another colorful and highly revered monument by the townspeople has been decorating Shtyba Square since 2007. It is dedicated to Dzaug Bugulov, who, according to legend, left his native village because of a blood feud and founded an aul on the banks of the Terek. It was here that a fortress was later built - the predecessor of modern Vladikavkaz. The sculptor embodied the image of Bugulov in bronze. Dzaug, dressed in national clothes, clutches a shepherd's staff in one hand, and the other seems to indicate the place where the city should be laid.

Cultural and entertainment rest

The city is ready to offer its guests a rich cultural program. You will not have any problems with where to go in Vladikavkaz in order to spend your leisure time excitingly.

Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Ticket price: adult 300 rubles, student 150 rubles, children 20 rubles.
Phone: +7 867 253-13-24.
Address: Prospekt Mira, 11. Transport stop "Gorky Street".

In a historic mansion built in the first third of the XX century. for the family of the merchant Khudyakov, there is a museum of the Republic of North Ossetia. Its collection includes more than 4 thousand exhibits found during ethnographic and archaeological expeditions. The expositions tell about the history of Alania from ancient times to the present day, the culture and life of the Ossetian people, the flora and fauna of the republic. The museum has an interesting collection of weapons, ancient coins, paleontological artifacts.

Art Museum. M. Tuganova

Opening hours: every day, except Wednesday, from 11:00 to 19:00.
Ticket price:
Phone: +7 867 253-01-82.
Website: http://www.hudmuz15.ru
Address: Prospect Mira, 12. Transport stop "Gorky Street".

The expositions of the art museum are housed in a historical mansion with luxurious interiors decorated with semi-columns, beautiful stucco moldings, and colorful frescoes. The collection includes about 5 thousand works of painting, graphics, sculpture, creations of folk craftsmen. Among the paintings presented in the halls, one should highlight the canvases by N. Roerich, B. Kustodiev, K. Bryullov, K. Makovsky, F. Rokotov. A significant part of the exposition is occupied by the works of Ossetian artists and sculptors. Be sure to check out the wonderful porcelain collection.

Opening hours: performances are given from Thursday to Sunday inclusive. The performances start at 18:00.
Ticket price: from 200 rubles. up to 600 p.
Phone: +7 867 253-24-75.
Website: http://www.teatr15.ru
Address: Lenin Square, 3. Transport stop "Lenin Square".

Fans of Melpomene will be able to get real pleasure from the performance of the actors of the city academic theater. It was for the local troupe that he wrote his plays at the dawn of M.A. Bulgakov, here the great E. B. Vakhtangov began his career in art. In Soviet times, the theater was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, and already in modern times more than once he was awarded prizes of authoritative all-Russian and international festivals for original performances.

Where to take a child in Vladikavkaz?

Young tourists traveling in the Caucasus with their parents will not be bored in the picturesque city. Vladikavkaz will give them the opportunity to choose entertainment to their liking. A lot of vivid impressions are guaranteed for children.

Opening hours: daily, from 8:00 to 19:00.
Ticket price: adult 70 rubles, children 50 rubles.
Address: Avenue Costa, 30. Railway station "Eternal Flame".

A visit to a small but very colorful zoo can delight any child. And the point is not only that during the excursion you can see representatives of the Caucasian fauna and exotic animals. The staff of the institution tries to do everything to make children like it here. They are offered to play with the zoo's pets, ride a pony and camel, and take part in a variety of activities. So, on Tiger Day, striped predators are presented with an appetizing chicken cake. Most animals can be treated with a special food that is sold at the zoo.

Opening hours: daily, from May to October inclusive.
Ticket price: adult 100 rubles, children 50 rubles.
Phone: +7 867 275-85-24.
Website: http://www.dzd-ussr.ru/towns/vladikavkaz
Address: Prospect Kosta, 30. Transport stop "ChZhD im. Tereshkova ".

The children's Railway, which has existed for 50 years. Visitors will have an exciting 2.2 km long journey through the picturesque park, during which stops will be made at the Eternal Flame station, at the obelisk to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War and at the Lagernaya platform. The guides, conductors and machinists of the "Ossetia" train are schoolchildren who attend a circle under the management of the North Caucasus Railways.

Address: Prospect Mira. Transport stop "Freedom Square".

It is not difficult to have a great time with the whole family in the central city park, established back in 1830. Walking along its magnificent alleys, you can admire graceful sculptures, fabulous installations on the theme of the national Ossetian epic, elegant fountains "Swan" and "Cupid", mysterious grottoes, stacked of rock. It is worth making a stop at the pond to feed the ducks with bread crumbs. Teenagers will be able to do workout, play mini-golf. Swings have been installed for kids, and amusement rides work.

The article describes only a little of what the blooming Vladikavkaz can please an inquisitive tourist with. The sights of the city of man-made origin, harmoniously combined with the incredibly picturesque nature of the North Caucasus, will allow you to stock up on a huge amount of vivid impressions.

The republic will delight you with delightful landscapes - this and majestic mountains, and beautiful gorges, and crystal air, and fast mountain rivers, and mineral springs. These are local residents who are famous for their hospitality, Ossetian cuisine and Ossetian toasts. And the abundance and variety of historical and cultural monuments will pleasantly surprise you! While resting here, you will enjoy the amazing climate and visit the very heart of the Caucasus.

1. Kel volcanic plateau

This is a real find for experienced tourist and the traveler. The picturesque plateau is a zone of extinct volcanoes and volcanic lakes, it is located in the valley of the Ksan River at an altitude of 2600-3000 meters above sea level. Here you will see a landscape unique for the Caucasus and crazy beautiful views... The main attraction of the plateau is Lake Kelskoe, its length is 1.7 km, depth is 75 meters, and the height of the volcanic lake is 2925 m above sea level. Most of the time the lake is covered with ice, so to enjoy its true beauty, the best time to visit it - August. As you climb to the lake, you can admire the mesmerizing views, and you may also notice that the water of Lake Kelskoe changes color. Today the plateau has become popular tourist route, as it is excellent for mountain climbing of low and medium difficulty categories.

2. Mount Halatsa

What climber doesn't like mountains? Chalaca attracts mountain lovers from all over the world. This is the most high peak in the Republic of South Ossetia. The height of the snowy beauty is 3938 meters, it adorns the Main Caucasian ridge and is located on the very border of South and North Ossetia. The name of the mountain is translated from Ossetian as "covered with frost". The top of the mountain is covered with eternal snow, these glaciers feed the Ardona (left tributary of the Terek) and Jojora rivers. Mountain lovers try to conquer this peak every year.

3. Kudar gorge. Lake Erzo

The Kudar Gorge or Kudaro is a gorge in the South Caucasus, located in the Dzau region of South Ossetia. This is the highest mountainous region of the republic. There are picturesque gorges, mountain rivers, waterfalls and one of the most beautiful lakes - Ertso. The beauty of the lake will delight any traveler who loves ecological tourism, but the reservoir is famous not for its picturesqueness, but for the fact that it abnormally disappears once every 5-6 years. This is attributed to the presence of underground caves. For this anomaly, Ertso was nicknamed the ghost lake. Height above sea level 1711 meters. The lake is unique, in the Caucasus it is the largest of the karst ones.

4. Tskhinval

The capital of the Republic of South Ossetia is an ancient city famous for its ancient architectural monuments. The city has a large number of temples and churches, Tskhinvali was called the city of 37 temples. In translation Tskhinval means "the dwelling place of the highest caste of priests". Not visiting Tskhinvali, its restaurants and not trying Ossetian pies, Ossetian cheese and Ossetian drinks means not visiting South Ossetia.

5. Tire monastery

This is an Orthodox monastery on the territory of the Tskhinvali region of South Ossetia, literally 15 minutes drive from Tskhinvali. Official name: Tirsky Bogoroditsko-Rozhdestvensky monastery. The monastery is located in a very scenic location... It is located on the side of a mountain, and to get into it, you need to go down a small stone staircase to enjoy truly great buildings in the Byzantine style. The Tirsky Monastery is a real relic of South Ossetia, and must be visited.

The Transcaucasian Highway is the only highway that connects the capitals of North and South Ossetia. For tourists, this route to South Ossetia may seem attractive and interesting. There is something to see here. These are mountains with their own snow caps, and various caves, and ancient fortresses and buildings of past centuries. There are many shrubs, trees, and all this creates incredible landscapes. The path from Tskhinval to Vladikavkaz is only 170 kilometers - this distance is called a journey along the "road of life".

7. Source "Bagiata"

South Ossetia is famous for its mineral springs. In Soviet times, there were many sanatoriums and various recreation centers here. Today mineral springs are not so much in demand among tourists, but they are also useful. Each gorge has its own springs, differing in their chemical composition. One of the most famous mineral springs in South Ossetia is Bagiata. The source itself resembles a small volcano, because it beats in waves right from the ground. The source is located on the road from the border point to Tskhinval. Healing water removes any stones from the body, its saturation with minerals is confirmed by stones painted nearby in a bright red color.

8. Lake of Goats

This is a unique mountain lake, one of the most beautiful places in South Ossetia. On the way to the lake, many beautiful landscapes will open to your attention. The lake is located near the town of Kvaisa, Dzau region. Koz is the only lake formed as a result of deep tectonic processes that blocked the natural flow of the hydrological system of the Kedy-koma-don river. The river, having no runoff, formed a mountain lake with an inflowing and outflowing river.

9. South Ossetian State Reserve

The reserve can be called an ecological museum of South Ossetia, its flora and fauna amaze with its diversity. It was formed in 1977, and is located about two hours from Tskhinval, on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range. Area 6804 hectares. The territory of the reserve is located at an altitude of 1200 to 2300 m above sea level. The relief is mountainous and very difficult, with many different gorges. The reserve is famous for its relict forests and a large number of lakes and reservoirs. Among the relict species in the park are Imeretian buckthorn, alpine oak, chestnut and boxwood. There are also rare herbal plants in the park, such as Robert's geranium or fragrant woodruff. The fauna of the park is rich in mammals. Here you can meet roe deer, Caucasian deer, as well as predatory animals: brown bear and steppe wolf. In addition, the Caucasian black grouse, mountain partridge, snowcock and many others build their nests in the park.

10. Fortress Zyldy Masig

Zyldy Masig is an architectural monument of antiquity, translated from the Ossetian language means "Round Tower". This amazing place served as a defensive structure. The fortress is located in the upper reaches of the Urs-Tualta gorge of the Dzau region of South Ossetia. For several centuries, the fortress served as a refuge for the local population, its walls were made of huge rough stones and reached 5 meters in places. Now only ruins remain of it. Tourists are attracted by the opportunity to climb and enjoy the wonderful mountain air. In general, there are plenty of fortresses and temples in South Ossetia, but many of them require urgent restoration, otherwise they will become history only in memory or on paper ...

The material was compiled from open sources.

North Ossetia - Alania - is an incredibly developed region of the North Caucasus. In ancient times, this region was inhabited by the famous tribes of the Scythians, Sarmatians and Alans. They were distinguished by a highly developed culture and civilization. The center was located on the territory of North Ossetia cultural life these nationalities. Therefore, it is not surprising that the sights of North Ossetia are incredibly popular and many tourists want to see them. Modern and ancient cultural, natural, architectural and other objects are of interest to travelers of different ages. Alania is today considered one of the most developed republics of Russia. And this is not surprising: everything here breathes with the science inherited by the locals from their ancient intelligent ancestors.

Gorges created by nature

Especially popular are those sights of North Ossetia that nature created. The canyons of this region have gained worldwide recognition. The most famous of them is the Tsey gorge. It has a special location and shape, thanks to which, in good weather conditions, in the gorge from sunrise to sunset, you can watch the entire sunny path. Because of this, there is a higher average annual coefficient of the number of hours of sunshine than in the resorts of Switzerland.

One of the most beautiful canyons in North Ossetia is the Kurtat Gorge. A long time ago, a path was laid through it by the Fiagdon River. And scientists say that in ancient times a caravan route, significant in the Transcaucasus, passed here. Therefore, here, in addition to excellent meadows and groves, there are many ancient sanctuaries and architectural monuments.

Well, the most unique place is the Koban Gorge. Its mountains rise on both sides of the Gizeldon River. Behind the mountain walls is a one-of-a-kind natural health resort. People who come here are healed by sources of radon waters. This feature of the area was appreciated by ancient travelers. Alans in ancient times founded their dwellings here and were absolutely right when they chose this territory for their settlement.

Death gorge

Some of the landmarks of North Ossetia are deadly in nature. So, the Karmadon Gorge in 2002 killed a whole film crew of Sergei Bodrov. The gorge is incredibly beautiful and just as dangerous. Before the tragic incident, tourists constantly came here to visit the mineral springs, stroll through the unique meadows, and admire the majestic peaks of the local mountains. But that tragic autumn, after the eruption of the Kazbek volcano, a glacier descended from the mountains, burying more than a hundred human lives.

Many years have passed since then, but only now this territory is beginning to revive: the area is being cleared, new roads are being laid. Not far from the place where the trouble occurred, a monument to the victims of the avalanche was erected. The Karmadon Gorge is truly a nice place with alpine meadows, endless mountains and turbulent rivers. It will always be stunningly beautiful and terribly dangerous.

Alanya's most beautiful waterfall

The Republic of North Ossetia, the sights of which we are considering, has become famous throughout Russia, and in other regions as well, with its stunning waterfall. In the vicinity of the village of Dzhimara, in the valley of the Midagrabindon river, there is the Big Zeigelan waterfall. It belongs to the pulsating waterfalls and until recently only knew about its existence local population... The water flow of the waterfall is influenced by the temperature of the air prevailing in the mountains. In the summertime, Zeigelan looks picturesque and fills with water; with the arrival of winter, it turns into a stunning ice sculpture.

You will have to get to the attraction on foot, since there are no special roads to it. It will take a long time to walk, and the path will seem, to put it mildly, difficult. But all this "suffering" is worth the admiration, splendor and pleasure that await the tourist in the end.

Neacropolis in the mountains of North Ossetia

The sights of the Republic of North Ossetia (Alania) will appeal to those who want to study the history of this region in more detail. Historical site "city of the dead" belongs to XVIII century and allows you to trace the cultural development of the area and its inhabitants. The historical and cultural monument is a complex of 99 stone overground four-storey and two-storey crypts.

In these ancient crypts, dead people were buried long ago. The "city of the dead" is located near the village of Dargvas. The crypts are like small towers. The skillful masonry of the roof and walls is their distinguishing feature. The roofs of the tombs are made in the form of cones and pyramids.

It is allowed to go inside the crypts, but it is not recommended, because an unpleasant sight will open before the eyes of the "guests". Inside, travelers will find dampness, an unpleasant odor, cobwebs and bones. Therefore, the "city of the dead" is best enjoyed outside. Moreover, there is a legend according to which punishment will overtake everyone who dares to disturb the peace of this place.

Vladikavkaz Zoo

Many sights of North Ossetia are collected in the capital of this region, the city of Vladikavkaz. One of the highlights of the metropolis and the whole of Alanya is the zoo. Although the zoo does not differ in large parameters, it is very cozy. It is home to bison, bears, lions and many other animals collected from all over the Earth. The zoo replenishes its collection thanks to the reception of sick animals. Sick animals from all countries are brought here. The workers take care of them and keep them for their further habitation.

Pets are mainly kept in cages. You can rarely meet them in aviaries. On the territory of the zoo there is a poultry house in which owls and other species of birds of prey live. There is also a terrarium with cobras and pythons.

Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator

The list of sights of North Ossetia with a description would be incomplete if it did not include the Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator, located in Vladikavkaz. The temple was built of red bricks. It is a slender building with a tall bell tower and gray conical domes. They are crowned with crosses of an unusual shape. The religious building also has narrow windows and complex portals. Architectural style the object indicates that this is the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The church was built on donations from parishioners. The beginning of construction work dates back to 1864. The project manager was the architect Siemens.

On the road to wonders

North Ossetia - Alania, the sights of which we are considering, is a land of wonders. There is even an appropriate place here. It is called the "Path of Miracles" and you can find it in Kadargavan, in the Kurtatin gorge. Looking at it, one gets the impression that it was pierced with a cleaver in the rocks. The depth of the object exceeds 60 meters, and the width is no more than three meters. The Trail of Miracles is a trail with low handrails, laid over a cliff, along the walls of the gorge. There is an iron observation bridge from which a breathtaking view opens.

What tourists are talking about

If you do not know what sights of North Ossetia to see, then ask people who have visited this area. They will definitely say that you need to see each of the objects. Travelers note that they are all stunningly gorgeous. Most of them were worked by nature itself, and therefore they cannot but cause admiration.

It is deeply rooted in the past. Mysterious and beautiful, secret and immense Ossetia attracts many tourists from all over the world. What attracts vacationers so much? What sights of North Ossetia deserve special attention? We will find out this in our article.

Kazbek

This is one of the most famous sights of North Ossetia. The height of Mount Kazbek is 5033 meters. It is located on the border with the Russian Federation and Georgia. The beauty of Kazbek attracts many tourists and novice climbers.

One Georgian legend tells that once Prometheus (Pharmat), who was a giant (Nart), was chained to the mountain. Once he stole fire for people. For this, the gods became very angry with him and chained him to the mountain with iron chains. But the punishment did not end there. Every day a bird named Hoopoe flew to him and pecked at his heart. Here is such a beautiful and tragic legend.

Kazbek is an extinct volcano, which, according to scientists, last erupted around 4000 BC. NS.

For the first time the mountain was conquered by the English climber Freshfeld in 1868. And 21 years later, the Russians planted a flag on the same place, which is perfectly visible from Vladikavkaz.

What do experienced climbers say?

When climbing Kazbek, there will be no special difficulties. There are two routes, and both of them are beautiful and attractive in their own way. The first one is laid through the north, the second - through the south (Georgia). According to experienced climbers, Kazbek is an excellent option for beginner climbers. mountain peaks... more stable weather conditions and faster acclimatization are for beginners.

But don't think that this mountain is so harmless. It is known that many years of sleep did not prevent the tragedy from happening in (this terrible incident claimed the lives of 130 people, including the film crew, which included the famous Russian actor Sergei Bodrov). As scientists have found out, the tragedy took place through the fault of the Kolka glacier that descended from its place.

However, many come here not only to conquer the top of Kazbek, but also to enjoy the natural beauty that is hidden in the territory of this mysterious mountain.

What can you see on Kazbek?

At an altitude of 4 km, there is an ancient monastery called Betlemi. This cave was discovered in 1947 by the climber Levan Sudjashvili.

It is worth noting the fact that archaeologists who later explored Betlemi discovered there a priceless church banner of the 10-11th centuries, a high cross, coins of the 15-17th candlestick, as well as monastic cells, a stone pillar and graves without names and inscriptions. Later, archaeologists and researchers concluded that the monks who previously lived here were hiding jewelry and valuable things.

It should also be remembered that people suffering from high blood pressure, it is better not to climb to the very top, otherwise unpleasant sensations and dizziness may occur.

The sights of North Ossetia do not end there, there will be many more interesting things later.

North Ossetian State Reserve

The reserve is located on the territory northern slope the eastern part of the Central Caucasus. The area of these beauties is 30 hectares. The North Ossetian reserve was established in 1967 on the territory of the Tseisky republican reserve in order to preserve some species of animals and plants.

Fauna

North Ossetia - Alania is famous for the variety of flora and fauna. So, about 1500 tours live on the territory of the North Ossetian reserve. In the forests (and they occupy about a third of the entire territory) roe deer and wild boars live, the number of which is only 60 individuals. Bison also live on the territory of the reserve, mainly in deciduous forests. They were settled in the 60s. Now there are more than 200 individuals there.

The main representatives of the reserve's fauna are bears. There are about 35 of them. The jackal is also found in this area (in the Unalskaya depression), but rather rarely. On the territory of the reserve, you can see a forest cat, a marten, a raccoon dog, an American mink, a brown hare and a squirrel.

Among the birds, it is worth noting the black stork, songbird, blackbird, wren, robin, buzzard, wood pigeon, eagle owl, crow, jay, gray owl, great lentil (lives in the mountains), as well as several species of tits and woodpeckers.

What else is North Ossetia rich in? The territory of this region, in particular, the North Ossetian reserve, contains about 200 species of insects. Among them, one can distinguish the steppe rack, the fragrant beauty, the variegated askalaf, which are listed in the Red Book. Here you can also watch the tarantula, praying mantis, phalanx and other invertebrate species.

What to see in the reserve?

The sights of North Ossetia, in particular the North Ossetian reserve, are numerous. Among them, the second largest in the region can be distinguished karst cave called Shubi-Nykhasskaya. The walls of the cave are covered with stalagmites and stalactites (they grow very slowly - for thousands of years). And those who are listed in the Red Book live there

It will be quite interesting to look at the cave towns, the Mesolithic site of Shau Lagat, various historical and archaeological sites, catacomb burial grounds, etc.

Traveling along the routes of the reserve, you can see the church of the 12th century, the Tseysky and Skazsky glaciers, observe the life of animals and birds, etc.

Sights of North Ossetia: City of the Dead

This site consists of 99 crypts spread over 4 floors. The buildings here are partially dug into the ground, and there are also ground ones with a gable or pyramidal roof.

According to some historical references, this village was created during the outbreak of the plague epidemic. In those days, the family, which was struck by a terrible disease, closed in one of the crypts and quietly awaited its fate.

Few people know that in those days, getting into the crypt was considered quite expensive by the Ossetians, so only a few could afford to die in this kind of room.

In this city to this day there is a terrible legend that the one who disturbed the peace of the deceased ancestors can pay with his life. However, despite this, many tourists still come to a terrible place to see the crypts, which still smell of death and pain of the dead Ossetians.

It should be noted that, of course, not all are decided, and only during daylight hours. Indeed, earlier this was a completely justified rumor, because it is not known how much more harmful bacteria could remain in the walls of the crypts. But to date, all the premises have been studied and researched in detail. Therefore on this moment it is safe to say that the crypts are absolutely harmless to visit.

This landmark of North Ossetia to this day excites the minds of tourists who have been there, because it is rather difficult to convey the emotions that you experience looking at the crypts, where innocent people once died painfully.

It should also be noted that on the territory of the City of the Dead there is the largest tower in Ossetia, named after the Mansurovs.

Conclusion

Only North Ossetia - Alania can boast of so many wonders and mysteries, such a variety of flora and fauna. Numerous attractions, architectural monuments, a huge number of caves, historically significant buildings and stunningly beautiful nature fascinate every person who arrives in this region. Having visited North Ossetia at least once, you will want to come back here again and again, because such miracles are rarely found anywhere.

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