24 best attractions of Vladikavkaz recommended for visiting

Vladikavkaz is the capital of North Ossetia-Alania; a city with a population of 300 thousand, located on the border with Georgia. Vladikavkaz was founded in 1784 by decree of Empress Catherine II as a Russian defensive fortress. The name “Vladikavkaz” literally means “Own the Caucasus”.

At all times of its existence, Vladikavkaz has attracted travelers from all over Russia. Chekhov, Lermontov, Turgenev, Tolstoy, Tchaikovsky, Mendeleev and other famous people enjoyed their holidays here. The popularity of Vladikavkaz rests on “three pillars”: amazing mountain nature, preserved architecture of the 19th-20th centuries. and the friendliness of the local people.

So now we will take a walk around Vladikavkaz, explore its most beautiful and interesting sights, admire the massive mountains and taste the most delicious Ossetian pies!

Being a tourist in Vladikavkaz is very convenient, because all the main attractions of the city are located literally on two neighboring streets. There is no need to go somewhere or make long walks. Your walk through the center of Vladikavkaz will be continuously rich in cultural and historical sites, all with views of the majestic Caucasus Mountains.

Sights in the vicinity of Vladikavkaz

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is considered part of the Rocky Range of the Caucasus Mountains. Despite the great height of the rock, thousands of tourists come to visit it every year. In the local language it sounds like “Myat Loam”, and in translation it means the mountain of the homeland.

The mountain offers simply stunning views of the entire area. Tourists can climb the ridge, and professional guides can help them with this.

Address: North Caucasus, North Ossetia; GPS: 42.87027, 44.7075

Grove of Khetag

The grove is located just 30 kilometers from the city of Vladikavkaz. This is not just a picturesque place, but a shrine for all Ossetians. Every year on the second Sunday of July, the Khetag festival is held, where local residents come.

Excursions to these places are regularly organized in Vladikavkaz to show the features of the region and present the local flora and fauna.

Address: 30 kilometers from Vladikavkaz; GPS: 43.05848, 44.29482

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Free admission

Sculpture of St. George the Victorious jumps out of the rock

The monument is truly amazing in its size, and the exhibition itself is very complex. The weight of this majestic bronze monument is 2.5 tons. The outer side of the Victorious Cape is stuck to the rock, which creates the effect that the monument is hanging in the air.

There is a belief that if you make a wish in this place, it will certainly come true within a year.

Address: Alagir Gorge, North Ossetia; GPS: 42.95888, 44.2118

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Free admission

"City of the Dead" (Dargavs)

The city of the dead is located not in the city of Vladikavkaz itself, but in its environs. It was erected at the beginning of the 17th century. The city of the dead consists of crypts where hundreds of people are buried. The settlement is presented in the form of family crypts, the height of which reaches the 4th floor. The crypts are built of stone and clay.

Dargavs is a unique architectural monument. If you want to know the history of North Ossetia, you should definitely visit the city of the dead.

Address: Dargavs village, 40 kilometers from Vladikavkaz; GPS: 42.84142, 44.44488

Opening hours: daily from 8.00 to 18.00

Alanya National Park

The national park was opened in 1998. It is located on the northern part of the Central Caucasus ridge. The park covers an area of almost 550 km2 and was specifically built to protect and preserve the local flora and fauna.

The national park attracts not only with its magnificent landscapes, but also with its well-developed tourist infrastructure. Not only can you spend time in a tranquil environment, but you can also visit a café serving local cuisine and stunning scenery.

Address: northern slope of the Central Caucasus ridge; GPS: 42.88069, 43.68445

Opening hours: from 9.00 to 18.00

Architectural structures

Vladikavkaz (the sights of this city include not only buildings, but also entire streets) is rich in architectural structures that will be interesting for visitors to see.

Peace Avenue

The process of laying out the streets as they are today began in the 18th century. During this time, Ave. Mira managed to change several names, but acquired the last one in the middle of the last century. Initially, the main street of Vladikavkaz was considered to be the street. Lenin.

Over time, it was decided to designate the center as the avenue. Mira, since the largest number of monuments and historical buildings are concentrated here, this street also offers unusual views of the city. The street is considered pedestrian and the only way to travel by transport is by tram.

Walking along the avenue Mira, you can see such architectural monuments as:

hotel "Grand Hotel";
"Fashion house";
House of Soviets;
art museum, etc.

Theater named after Vakhtangov

The Russian Academic Theater is located on the street. Lenina, 3. Its opening took place at the end of the 18th century, and the first performances were staged based on the works of Lermontov.

The theater is famous for the fact that outstanding actors and writers worked here in different periods: M. Bulgakov, N. Sinelnikov, M. Savina, K. Khetagurov and others. In the mid-90s of the last century, the theater was awarded the title in honor of the Ossetian actor and directed by E. Vakhtangov.

Those interested can purchase tickets at the theater and city box offices; their average cost is 300 rubles. The ticket office is open daily from 12:00-20:00.

Art Museum named after. Tuganov

Since its opening in 1939, the museum has changed its location twice, since it initially belonged to the local history museum, and then became an independent institution.

At the moment, the museum is located in the city center - Avenue. Mira, 12 and open daily, except Wednesdays. The cost of the entrance ticket is 60 rubles. inside, visitors can see over 5 thousand exhibits in exhibitions of Russian art of the 17-20 centuries, the 2nd half of the 20th century, as well as exhibits of national Ossetian art.

Museum opening hours:

Day of the week	Operating mode
Mon, Tue, Fri-Sun	11:00 – 19:00
Thu	13:00 – 21:00
Wed	Not working

Where to go in Vladikavkaz and what else to see

Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary

Initially, a fortress was built on this site for defense, but over the years only the temple remained. The Mozdok Icon of the Mother of God, which is one of the most revered shrines, has been preserved on the territory.

Under the main building there is a burial place where the remains of famous people who lived in Vladikavkaz at different times are still kept. Such people include the linguist Vaso Abaeva, the poet Kosta Khetagurova, and the first mayor Gappo Baeva.

Address: Rozhdestvenskaya street, 22

Opening hours: daily from 8.00 to 19.00

Free admission

Official website: https://blagos.ru/content/osetinskaya-cerkov-13

Armenian Church

The Apostolic Church stands on the river bank and you can find the building not far from the Cast Iron Bridge. The Armenian Church is not only a monument of culture and architecture, but also an object of religious significance.

If you are planning to visit the shrine, then also do not miss the house where Evgeniy Vakhtangov lived, which stands opposite. The temple itself is more than 150 years old, and it was consecrated by Bishop Movses Movesyan.

Many pilgrims come to this place to visit the khachkar. It was erected in memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide.

Address: Armenian st., 1, Vladikavkaz, Rep. North Ossetia Alania

Opening hours: daily from 8.00 to 19.00

Free admission

Sunni mosque

The Mukhtarov Mosque was built in 1908. The object is so significant that construction work lasted more than 8 years. The shrine received its name for a reason, but in honor of the person who donated money for construction. During the revolution, the mosque was almost destroyed, but thanks to a good defensive strategy, it was preserved in its original form.

Currently, the mosque is classified as a cultural and architectural monument, and thousands of parishioners come to this place to pray.

Address: st. Kotsoeva, 62, Vladikavkaz, Rep. North Ossetia Alania

Opening hours: daily

Free admission

Zoo

In the Vladikavkaz Zoo you can meet not only well-known animals, but also representatives of the fauna that are listed in the Red Book. In addition, it is replenished with new individuals every year. The main advantage is that spacious enclosures have been built for all animals.

In addition to living animals, on the territory of the zoo you can find animal figurines made of wood. It regularly hosts events for children.

Address: Costa Avenue, 24

Opening hours: from 10.00 to 20.00

Entrance: adults – 70 rubles, children – 50 rubles

Hotel Imperial

Hotel "Imperial" is considered the main hotel in Vladikavkaz. The building is located on Mira Avenue in the very center of the city. The hotel was built in 1896. Until now, the hotel has retained the spirit of antiquity and the original style.

“Imperial” is rightfully considered a real symbol of the city. At one time, the most famous people of the country stayed at the hotel.

Address: Mira Ave., 19, Vladikavkaz, Rep. North Ossetia Alania

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Entrance: from 2200 rubles per room

National Museum

The National Museum of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania is a museum, research center and exhibition complex with several branches, the main one is located in the city center at Mira Avenue, 11. Come get acquainted with various historical finds that date back centuries.

In total, the museum complex houses more than 4,000 exhibits that shed light on the history of the region and the features of local culture.

Address: Mira Avenue, 11

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00

Entrance: from 30 rubles

Park named after Kosta Khetagurova

The park named after Khetagurov stands on the coast of the Terek River. It was opened to locals and tourists in 1830. The Kirovsky and Chugunny bridges are installed on each side of the park. It got its name for a reason, but in honor of the famous poet.

In the park you can find not only walking paths and a pond where swans live, but also attractions. In addition, in summer there are sports grounds and a restaurant.

Address: Mira Avenue, 7

Working hours: Monday – Friday from 09.00 to 18.00, break from 13.00 to 14.00

Free admission

Art Museum

The Museum of Art was opened in 1939, and the building itself was erected in 1903. It received its name for a reason, but in honor of the famous artist who was a student of Repin himself.

The museum exhibits works by local painters. In addition, there are halls where events or concerts are regularly held.

Address: Mira Avenue, 12

Opening hours: daily from 11.00 to 18.00 except Wednesday

Admission: adult – 100 rubles, schoolchildren and pensioners – 30 rubles, students – 60 rubles

Opera and Ballet Theatre

The Opera and Ballet Theater is the largest musical theater in the entire Republic of North Ossetia. Not only performances, but also other events are regularly held there. The best singers and dancers come from all over the country to perform in the theater.

The building is famous not only for its productions, but also for its unique architecture. Many come to the theater just to look at the features of the cultural monument.

Address: st. Vladimir Thapsaeva, 18, Vladikavkaz, Rep. North Ossetia Alania

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9.00 to 18.00

Entry: depending on presentation

Russian Theater named after. E. Vakhtangova

The Vakhtangov Theater is another large public theater offering performances for both adult audiences and young spectators. It was opened in 1871, and since then plays based on the works of famous Russian playwrights have been staged on its stages. Mikhail Bulgakov himself played his first plays at the theater.

Now many famous Russian actors and cultural figures perform regularly on stage.

Address: Lenin Square, 3

Opening hours: Tuesday 12:30–18:30, break 14:00–15:00; Wednesday - Sunday 10:30–18:30, break 14:00–15:00

Entrance: from 100 rubles per performance

Monument-fountain “Nart Soslan”

The monument in the form of a fountain was erected in honor of the Narts. These are brave and strong knights from the Caucasian epic, who were considered a symbol of courage and goodness. The monument itself was erected in 2007.

The fountain is a place of pilgrimage for those who appreciate the history of the Caucasus. In addition, it stands in a picturesque location, in the very center of the city, and hundreds of tourists visit this place every year.

Address: Lenin Square, Vladikavkaz

St. George's Cathedral

St. George's Cathedral is presented in the form of a white stone church with five domes. It was consecrated only in 2007, and its construction took 7 years.

The cathedral was built in the Russian-Byzantine style and is classified as a cultural and architectural monument. The temple attracts not only with its appearance, but also with its atmosphere.

Address: st. Barbashova, 38, Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia-Alania

Opening hours: daily from 8.00 to 19.00

Free admission

Russian Drama Theater named after. Bestuzhev

Russian Drama Theater named after. Bestuzhev is the oldest drama theater in the entire North Ossetia. It opened its doors to visitors in 1869. The theater regularly hosts events and performances.

Every year it stages several productions with famous local actors. In addition, artists from other cities come there from time to time.

Address: Lenin Square, 3

Opening hours: Tuesday 12:30–18:30, break 14:00–15:00; Wednesday - Sunday 10:30–18:30, break 14:00–15:00

Entrance: from 100 rubles

Park named after Zhukovsky

The Zhukovsky Children's Park is a favorite place for the whole family to relax. The park contains not only attractions and fun activities for children, but also places where adults can relax.

There are trees in the garden that help to escape the heat on especially sunny days. Both adults and children will find entertainment in the park.

Address: Kirova, 39

Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 10.00 to 18.00

Free admission

Baron Steingel's mansion

Baron Steingel was a local industrialist, but was also involved in the development of the architectural heritage in the city. It was the baron who sponsored the construction of the only palace in the city, which was subsequently destroyed. Unfortunately, few architectural monuments of Steingel have survived to this day.

The mansion itself contains only 1 floor. The entrance is complemented by two domes and looks elegant. The main feature of the mansion is the tower, which is made in the Gothic style.

Address: Lenina, 5

Opening hours: from 9.00 to 18.00

Entrance: 100 rubles

Toy railway

The children's railway is located near Vladikavkaz Park. It was built in 1963, although this idea arose 30 years earlier. Construction began with the first canvas, which was driven in by Valentina Tereshkova herself.

Now the railway runs for more than two kilometers. In total you can visit two stations and stops. Children do all the work on the railway. They drive the train and work at the station.

Address: Costa Avenue, 30

Opening hours: daily

Entrance: 80 rubles

Religious objects

Mukhtarov Mosque

It first received parishioners back in 1908. The mosque is located on the left bank of the Terek. The facility was built in Cairo style and its height reaches 16 meters. It’s hard to believe, but in the early 40s of the last century, the Soviet authorities intended to demolish the temple, but due to the dedication of the Bektenevsky cavalry regiment this was not destined to happen.

Thanks to the skills of the Azerbaijani craftsmen who took part in the construction of the object, the Muslim temple was built without a single nail or glue.

Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator

Saint George is the most recognized figure among the Armenian diaspora. The church building is made entirely of red bricks, the last of which was laid in 1868. An important aspect of the era of the existence of the Armenian temple is the fact that worship here did not stop even during the reign of the Soviet regime, which did not show mercy to the clergy.

Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

One of the oldest Orthodox sites in Vladikavkaz. It was built back in 1814. Until 1861, the walls of the temple were wooden, after which they were made traditionally stone. Unlike the Church of St. George, services here were suspended during Soviet rule, and services were resumed only in 1990. Today, the religious building is in very good condition, since at the beginning of this century a whole range of restoration work was carried out here.

FAQ

Where can you go with children in Vladikavkaz? Embankment of the Terek River, Zoo, Park named after. Kosta Khetagurova, Monument-fountain “Nart Soslan”, Park named after. Zhukovsky, Children's Railway.

The main attractions of Vladikavkaz? Embankment of the Terek River, Mira Avenue, Sunni Mosque, Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, National Museum.

What natural attractions are there in Vladikavkaz? Park named after Kosta Khetagurova, Park named after. Zhukovsky, Terek River Embankment.

Natural sites and parks

Vladikavkaz (the sights of this region are attractive not only to those interested in history and culture, but also to nature lovers) is located in the North of the Caucasus Mountains and provides an opportunity to explore the views of the ridges without leaving the city limits.

Park named after Kosta Khetagurov

At the address ave. Mira, 7 there is a city recreation and entertainment park, which opens the gates to visitors daily from 7:00-21:00. The park was not always named in honor of the Ossetian poet K. Khetagurov.

Initially, the park was called a garden, and its opening was timed to coincide with the construction of the fortress castle. Later, the park was simply called “Track”, since by the end of the 19th century cycling was in great demand and the park was an ideal place for this.

The park was given its current name only in the 30s of the last century. Today, visitors can take a walk here, rent bicycles, skates in the winter, a boat for a walk on the lake, and also visit the zoo. Entrance to the park is free; fees are charged only for equipment rental.

City of dead

Not far from the village. Gardvas (near Vladkavkaz) there is a necropolis. Archaeologists date the oldest building among the crypts to the 1st century AD. From the outside, the necropolis resembles an ancient city in the mountains, but no one lives here.

There are more than 90 buildings on the territory, including crypts, a battle tower and tombs. This place began to be actively studied only in the last century, and during this time many artifacts and remains of people dating back to different periods were found.

You can visit the necropolis every day from 10:00-18:00, except Mondays (day off). The entrance ticket costs 50 rubles. get there by excursion buses or by car along a serpentine road.

Zaki Gorge

On the northern slope of the Caucasus Range there is a gorge named after the Zakado River flowing nearby. Visitors actively practice mountain tourism in this place, since hiking routes to the south and north have been preserved.

These paths lead to two more mountain gorges located nearby. If you wish, you can also visit the house-museum of the Ossetian poet Khetagurov, which is located near the Zakino Gorge.

Mount Araujox

Vladikavkaz (the sights of the city and area largely attract tourists due to their natural beauty) is one of the tourist centers, since it is located in the North Caucasus.

Mount Araukhoh is another place near Vladikavkaz where tourists who prefer active recreation come. To engage in mountain tourism, people come here in organized groups or by bus, which departs from the Vladikavkaz bus station to the village. Balta.

It is possible to conquer the peak at 2680 m along one of 4 routes, where the western one is considered the most accessible for climbing. At the top of the mountain there is a covered hut for tourists to relax, where people leave notes about their visit.

Zaigelansky waterfall

The waterfall is the second largest in the Russian Federation - its height reaches 700 m. The waterfall originates from the crater of a volcano, and the name is translated from Ossetian as “falling avalanche”. The place attracts tourists both in cold and warm seasons. In summer, the rapid flow of water is impressive in its scale, and in winter, the streams of water freeze into long blue icicles.

To get to this place, tourists use a car with a navigator, or go from the Vladivostok bus station by bus to the village of Dzhimara. From here it is about another 10 km to the Midgabindon River.

Alanya National Park

The park was formed by the end of the twentieth century. Its territory begins with a vast canyon and then turns into mountain heights. Their largest point reaches 4.6 thousand m in height.

Just like the altitude level, weather conditions in the park change regularly. While walking through the park, tourists can get caught in rain, snow and see the sun again. The park is home to more than 100 species of birds and more than 30 species of animals. Here you can also see an ancient church with burial grounds, as well as rivers, waterfalls, caves and peat bogs.

Entrance to the park is free, but to obtain a pass you must contact the park administration at least 5 days before your visit. A walk through the park is possible for tourists on their own or as part of an excursion organized by park employees, which is a paid service. The cost depends on the chosen route.

To get to the national park, travel by car or from the Vladikavkaz bus station to the village of Chikola.

Best hotels in Vladikavkaz

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