24 best attractions of Vladikavkaz recommended for visiting

Historians believe that the first settlement on the site of Vladikavkaz was formed in the 1st millennium AD. The city itself is relatively young. Vladikavkaz was founded in 1784 as a fortress protecting nearby villages. The name of the city was given by Catherine II. 5 years later, the fortress was destroyed during the Russian-Turkish War. The restored defensive point received city status in 1860.

Vladikavkaz of the 21st century is a relaxed southern city with old trams and wooden houses.

The main attractions here are architectural and natural sites. The peaceful nature of Vladikavkaz was loved by Tolstoy, Pushkin, Griboedov, Lermontov, Ostrovsky. Russian writers often came to the city on vacation and associated many of their creations with the mountainous region. In the 1920s, Mikhail Bulgakov lived and worked in Vladikavkaz. The future director Evgeny Vakhtangov was born and studied in the Ossetian capital.

For those planning a big trip, here is a detailed guide to North Ossetia and its most interesting places.

If you are passing through Vladikavkaz - to cross the border from there into Georgia - read our guide to the most important places in Georgia so as not to miss anything.

For ease of route planning, we have marked all the mentioned attractions on the city map:

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

Sunni mosque

Vladikavkaz

Construction of a Sunni mosque in North Ossetia began in 1900. The funds were allocated by industrialist Murtuza Mukhtarov from the largest city in the region, Baku. The project was prepared by Russian architect of Polish origin Joseph Ploshko, who had previously built several buildings for Mukhtarov.

The mosque was built in the Arabic style with openwork decoration on the facade and minaret towers. The building was reminiscent of the ancient Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo. The walls made of imported Baku stone were lined with red brick from the local factories of Leonard Shteingel and Vladimir Grozmani. The artist Franz Dolezal was invited to decorate the interiors; he painted the walls with Arabic script and floral patterns.

The first joint prayer took place here in 1908. After the revolution, the building was given over to a club and then to a warehouse. In 1934, they planned to demolish the mosque, but an armed Tatar company did not allow the workers to approach the shrine. After 30 years, the state declared the Sunni mosque an architectural monument. Since 1996, believers have gathered here again.

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.

Best hotels in Vladikavkaz

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