The capital of North Ossetia - the city of Vladikavkaz - is a real cultural center of the region. It is located on both banks of the Terek and offers picturesque views of the nearby hills, including the Table Mountain. Local residents have repeatedly stood up to protect iconic objects of the city in troubled periods of history. Thanks to their courage, monuments of architecture and history have been preserved here. First of all, this concerns religious buildings, such as the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Of the unusual attractions associated with Vladikavkaz, it is worth noting the "City of the Dead". Almost 100 ancient crypts near the village of Dargavs can tell a lot about the customs and past of the Ossetian people. Everything is interesting in them: from content to structural features.
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What to see and where to go in Vladikavkaz?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Mukhtarov Mosque
The construction took eight years and was completed in 1908. The name was given in honor of the philanthropist who invested the most in the project. After the revolution, soldiers stood up to protect the mosque from destruction. It was also preserved thanks to the status of an architectural monument. For some time, the exposition of the Republican Museum of Local Lore was located inside. Now the mosque with two minarets again receives parishioners.
Peace Avenue
It stretches from Svoboda Square to Kirov Street. This is the historical and cultural part of the city. It appeared in the 19th century, changed its names several times, including after the visit of the emperor, became known as Alexander's. A park of culture and recreation is adjacent to the avenue. The art and National museums are also open here. The pedestrian boulevard of the avenue has a length of one verst or 1,066.8 meters.
Park named after Kosta Khetagurov
It is spread out on the right bank of the Terek. Bounded by Kirovsky and Chugunny bridges. Named after the poet and playwright who stood at the origins of Ossetian literature. The year of foundation is considered to be 1830. In addition to the green walking area and the swan ponds, the park offers several leisure activities. There is a restaurant, sports grounds, including mini golf, as well as a historical monument - the mansion of Baron Steingel.
Art Museum named after M. S. Tuganov
It has existed since 1939. It is named after the painter who studied with Repin and stood at the origins of modern art in Ossetia. The collection includes works by local artists from different periods. Thanks to this, it is possible to trace the stages of the formation of Ossetian art. The exposition is housed in a building - an architectural monument, built in 1903. Concerts are held at the museum, for which there is a separate hall.
National Museum of North Ossetia-Alania
A wave of interest in archeology led to the formation of a permanent exhibition of finds within the region in 1893. The formed museum was the first in the southern part of the country. For a long time, starting from the 80s of the last century, the building was under reconstruction. The reopening took place in 2017. Excavations of burial mounds and burial grounds made it possible to accumulate impressive funds. Exhibits made of gold are especially valuable.
Opera and Ballet Theatre
The musical theater appeared in Vladikavkaz in 1958. Each season, the repertoire is replenished with new products, but there are also productions that have been going on for years. Artistic director - L. Gergieva. The theater occupies a building built in the Stalinist Empire style since its foundation. The auditorium is designed for 680 seats. Since 2005, the theater has been hosting a festival of musical art, where ensembles from all over the country come.
Russian theater named after E. Vakhtangov
The oldest drama theater in the region. Year of foundation - 1869. The building was completed by 1971. The theater is associated with the names of cultural figures known in the country and abroad. For example, Bulgakov was in charge of the local literary department, and Vakhtangov began his career as a stage director. The theater has been named in honor of Evgeny Bagrationovich since 1996. There are two scenes: large and small.
Monument-fountain "Nart Soslan"
Installed in 2011 on the central square of the city. The fountain is dedicated to the character of national epics and legends. Various wonderful characteristics are attributed to Soslan. For example, he was allegedly born of a stone, and the invulnerability of the hero was given by bathing in wolf milk. The hero, as it were, dances over a bowl on a dais. According to legend, the very cup of Nartamong is able to distinguish between falsehood and truth. Therefore, during the feast, she gives water and heals the honest warriors.
St. George Cathedral
Construction began in 1996 and finished in 2002. This area used to be a cemetery. The Russian-Byzantine architectural style was chosen as the basis. The bell tower is part of the composition and stands close to the five-domed church. The main relic is an ark with a particle of the relics of St. George, the patron saint of the temple. The cathedral has the status of a cathedral. Sunday and Orthodox schools work under him.
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin
The oldest Orthodox church in the city. Its history begins in 1815, when it was made of wood. After 10 years, a stone building appeared. The location on the Ossetian Hill gave the temple a popular name - "Ossetian". The flock managed to save the church from destruction in the 30s. At first it was closed, and then it was designated as a museum. At the moment, the Russian Orthodox Church has returned, there are shrines, for example, the "Mozdok" icon.
Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator
Belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church. The construction was completed in 1868. It is located on the banks of the Terek near the Pig-iron Bridge. Opposite is the Vakhtangovs' house. In 2010, a khachkar appeared in the courtyard. Its installation was timed to coincide with the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Representatives of other confessions were invited to the ceremony. Has the status of a cultural heritage site.
Monument to Issa Pliev
Located on the square named after the military leader, twice Hero of the USSR Issa Pliev. The sculpture by B. Totiev and N. Khodov was installed in 1997. The commander is depicted in full dress uniform as a stately hero with an impeccable bearing and riding a horse. The horse under him is as if rushing upward. So the authors wanted to convey the determination and fearlessness of Pliev, who was not used to giving in to difficulties during his lifetime.
Terek river
The name is translated from Karachay-Balkar as "rushing water". It flows through the territory of several regions of Russia and Georgia. The length is about 623 km. It is of great economic importance for Vladikavkaz. There are many fish in the lower reaches, including valuable commercial species such as trout and pike perch. Tourist and sports rafting is carried out: there are both rapids and calm ones.
Mountain Dining Room
It is included in the Caucasus mountain system. The absolute height is about 3 thousand meters. The summit is clearly visible from many points of the city. Climbing groups are organized in nearby settlements. There are hiking trails. Local legends assign the uplands a role similar to the Greek Olympus. A number of legends and myths emerged from here. The image of the mountain is applied to the coat of arms of Vladikavkaz.
"City of the Dead" (Dargavs)
The monument of culture and history of the 18th century is located near the village of Dargavs. Stone crypts have been built on the territory of the "City of the Dead". There are hundreds of them. The territory is important for the study of the customs of the Ossetian people. According to the traditions of ancestors, people were buried in national clothes along with small household items and values. The peculiarities of the masonry and the roof of the crypts are also subject to study.
