The name Vladikavkaz means “the city that owns the Caucasus,” and this is no coincidence: the capital of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania is located in the center of the North Caucasus. In October there is a real golden autumn here. Mountain landscapes are stunning with a riot of colors. Don't miss out on such beauty!
Oktyabrsky Vladikavkaz is ready to welcome guests.
Sunny October
If in central Russia October is a time of rain and slush, in Vladikavkaz it is warm and sunny. It practically never rains.
At the beginning of October, the daytime air temperature is around +20–22°С, and the night temperature does not fall below +12–13°С.
By the end of October it becomes cooler: during the day +14–15°С, at night – +8–10°С.
The forecast for autumn 2022 does not promise any surprises; temperatures will remain within the usual range. Therefore, when going on vacation to Vladikavkaz, you should not take a lot of warm clothes. Take a light jacket and a thin jumper. And for excursions to the mountains, take a thin knitted hat, because winds are possible at altitude.
Wear sneakers or boots with grooved soles, which will help you feel confident while walking along mountain paths.
Weather in Vladikavkaz in October 2022 - forecast of weather forecasters.
Mountain resort Tsey
“Friend, give thanks for the cup, I hold the sky in my hand, The mountain air of the state of Pyu on the Tseysk glacier.” Arseny Tarkovsky, 1983.
How to get to Tsey from Vladikavkaz
The distance from Vladikavkaz to Tsey is 85 km, and from the city closest to Tsey, Alagir, is 50 km. The road from Vladikavkaz to Tsey is normally paved, with the exception of the last 12 km, which go along a mountain serpentine with a height difference of 700 meters.
From Vladikavkaz to the Tsey resort can only be reached by road; daily there is a regular bus from the Vladikavkaz bus station (Arkhonskoe highway, 1) at 6:20 and at 15:00, travel time is about 2 hours. Phone number of the bus station in Vladikavkaz: +7 (8672) 74-12-79.
You can also return from Tsey to Vladikavkaz by bus at 9:15 to Vladikavkaz or at 17:30 to Alagir, where you can change to a bus to Vladikavkaz.
Tsey - housing, nature, entertainment
Tsey or Tseyskoye Gorge, as a ski resort, as a tourism center, was much more popular in Soviet times than it is now. Famous poets wrote songs and poems about it, but now the Tsey resort is visited mainly only by local residents of Ossetia, the infrastructure at the resort is poorly developed.
This has its own plus - the number of vacationers, both skiing in winter and walking in summer, is significantly less compared to other mountain resorts in the Caucasus. And the Tseysky Glacier, the gorge, Mount Monk and other mountains do not get worse from the lack of service - the places here are very beautiful and energetically strong.
View of the Tseysky glacier from the cable car
We spent 2 days in Tsey, with an overnight stay, but if we went there again, we would not stop in Tsey for the night, but would rather spend the night in Vladikavkaz. Because housing in Tsey is either very expensive or of very low quality. But I would still recommend going to Tsey at least for a day, especially in the warm season, if you find yourself in these parts.
Zaporozhets of Soviet times - a flowerbed on the territory of a hotel in Tsey
The Tsey resort is located at an altitude of 1910-2200 meters on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus. The highest mountain of the Tsey Gorge, Mount Wilpata, has a height of 4648 meters above sea level.
The Tseyskoye Gorge is notable for its glacier. The Tsey glacier, which begins between the peaks of Wilpata and Adai-Khokh (4408 m), descends to an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level, that is, lower than most glaciers in the Caucasus. At the very bottom it is quite narrow, and above it it widens greatly, reaching 1 km in width. Constrained by rocks at an altitude of 2,500 m above sea level, it forms countless cracks and has several icefalls, but higher up its surface becomes smoother again.
Tseysky glacier in the center and Mount Monk on the right
From the ice arch of the Tseya glacier flows the beautiful river Tseya (Tseyadon), which flows through a deep, picturesque gorge covered with pine forest.
Let's get acquainted, Vladikavkaz!
We recommend starting your acquaintance with the city with a sightseeing tour “Vladikavkaz - First Date”, which a guide will conduct for your small group. In 2.5 hours you will see all the main attractions: temples of different religions, a monument to Bulgakov, an old 200-year-old park, the mansions of the merchant Oganov and the rich miller Khodyakov.
The best way to start exploring the city is with a sightseeing tour.
The guide will tell you how Evgeny Vakhtangov was connected with Vladikavkaz and what a German airplane did more than 100 years ago in the sky over the Caucasus ranges. The cost of the excursion is 2500 rubles for your family or company.
Next, we advise you to get out of the city on a bus and walking tour “Dzheirakh - “the heart of the mountains”. Getting to know ancient Ingushetia." In a small group you will reach the Dzheirakhsky gorge, considered the historical center of Ingushetia. There are the main attractions of the republic, including the medieval ancestral tower of the Tsurovs, the legend of which will be told by the guide.
Autumn Ingushetia.
The journey will take place through the ancient city of Targim, the mountain village of Egikal and near the Vovnushki tower complex. During the 7-hour excursion, you will also get to know the life of the local residents, who still practice subsistence farming.
Near the Lyazhginsky waterfall you will take great photos and then continue your journey to the Tsey-Loam Pass. The beauty is incredible! And you can see it for 2,300 rubles per person.
To admire the nature of the Caucasus to your fullest, book the excursion “Balkar Gorge and Blue Lakes”. In a small group you will take a minibus to the blue karst lakes hidden in the mountains. The water there is absolutely transparent, and if you have dreamed of getting into diving, this is the place.
Golden shores of Blue Lake.
October is not a reason to give up on your dream; diving is done even in winter, since the lakes do not freeze and the water temperature in them is +9°C all year round. And the landscapes all around are simply fabulous! The duration of the excursion is 9 hours, the cost is 2500 rubles per participant.
Andrey Globin from the Moscow region shares his impressions in his review:
“The lakes are so clean that you can see the bottom at a depth of over 20 meters! There is a slight smell of hydrogen sulfide in the air. The guide said that due to emissions of this gas there are no fish in the lakes. But this place was chosen by swans. It's a paradise for tourists here! There are hotels, retail outlets, cafes nearby - you can sit down with a cup of coffee and get stuck exploring the surroundings.”
The secrets and legends of the Caucasus will be revealed to tourists on the 4-hour car ride “City of the Dead - a trip to Dargavs, to the ancient necropolis.” The guide will show you a hidden place where there are more than 9 dozen crypts, and in the windows you can see bones and skulls.
The legendary "city of the dead".
How this mysterious city appeared, what secrets it hides and how they are connected with the history of the Ossetian people - the guide of your small company will tell you about this. In addition, you will stop by a rock park and walk along paths carved into stone cliffs, walk along the “path of miracles” along the banks of the Fiagdon River, visit the Alan Assumption Monastery and see a hydroelectric power station near the village of Koban and a reservoir at the power plant.
The cost of such a walk is 1800 rubles per person.
Svetlana Selovanova from Kostroma recalls the trip in her review:
“In the necropolis you can only walk along paths. The walls of the burial grounds are made of hewn stone. They were buried in them, simply laying the bodies on boards. As a result, the bodies were constantly blown away and therefore became like mummies. That is why weathered, unburied bones are still visible. Actually, I’m impressionable, but the sight of the remains did not evoke any unpleasant emotions.”
Another excursion that reveals to travelers the beauty of the Caucasus is “Digoria - the land of a thousand waterfalls.” This walk will begin from the Urukh Canyon, the narrow neck of which is like a natural gateway to Digoria. Next, explore the Devil's Bridge, which is famous for throwing criminals off it in the Middle Ages.
Digoria. Dawn.
In the Nana Museum and the Morgi-lagat cave, the guide will tell you about the heroic woman who saved several dozen children during the invasion of Tamerlane. You will get acquainted with a number of architectural and historical monuments of the Ossetian people - fortresses, ancestral towers and sanctuaries. The price of a 9-hour excursion is 2300 rubles per participant.
On a 5-hour car-pedestrian walk “All the splendor of North Ossetia in one day!” your small company will visit the most beautiful places of the republic, explore the Dargavsky necropolis, the Fyrydon waterfall, the abandoned tourist center Kakhtisar, from the observation deck of which. As if on a geographical map, you will examine the Dargavskoe and Kobanskoe gorges in detail.
Welcome to your trip to North Ossetia!
The final point of the trip will be a visit to the notorious Karmadon Gorge, where Sergei Bodrov Jr. died. The cost of the excursion is 7,500 rubles for a company of up to 4 people. Additionally, tickets for visiting the Dargavs open-air museum are paid (100 rubles per person).
We recommend selecting and booking excursions via the Internet. The assortment here is wider than in any local tourist office, and prices are 15-20% lower. You can read descriptions of excursions and reviews about them in advance, look at photos and choose what is really interesting to you.
The websites Sputnik8.com and Tripster.ru are the largest and most reliable online platforms for selling excursions. Choose...
And bright impressions for you!
Journal of bright travels
Rocky Range – Vladikavkaz Mountains
I was on a business trip this June in North Ossetia, at the Vladikavkaz airport located in the memorable village of Beslan.
| Album: Vladikavkaz |
Spent the weekend in the mountains. The mountains on the Ossetian side are divided into the Wooded Range, the Pasture Range, the Rocky Range - this is the Caucasian midlands, where there are accessible gorges and mountains, further and higher the Side Range and the Main Caucasian Range with its 5 thousand-meter peaks - Kazbek. Elbrus is located a little separately and belongs to the Central Caucasus The closest and most famous are the Feagdon and Karmadon gorges, located at a distance of tens of kilometers, to which, due to lack of time, I headed. Good help, advice and support was provided at the Kadgaron hotel, suggesting drivers and at the Trial-Sport store, where I met a wonderful woman - climber, instructor Natalya Gudenko and she told me how to find Alexander Sushko - a master of sports in mountaineering.
And so, after getting ready, unrest, since the area is turbulent (for example, despite serious work for the security of northern Ossetia, I was asked for documents and even seeing them, they demanded to go to the department) in a reliable company with the driver Georgy tel 89188393050 and Alexander Sushko we left in the Feagdon gorge. (PS. Don’t take this as advertising, they’re just good people)
A comfortable, paved road leads there, which to the Karmadon Gorge turns into a dirt road and then, covered with the Kolka glacier, into something difficult. George got to Karmadon, whom we let go to the thermal springs of the famous water while we went to the mountain.
On the road to Feagdon, gorge.
We passed the monument to Stalin, there are many of them here.
And we turned to the Karmadon Gorge to the “Dead City” and to the “Green” - “Dargavsky” pass. At a fork in the road, on a rock, there is a tower guarding this road. As Alexander said. These towers not only served as a defensive structure. but they also performed signal functions, creating a network that instantly reported the approach of the enemy with the help of light and smoke from fires. You can consider Ossetia. the ancestral home of cellular communications =).
Further, the road took us through the Kakadursky pass and soon through the village of Dallagkau we descended into the valley to the village of Dargavs and the dead city.
The dead city is interesting as a monument to the soldiers who gave battle to Timur and the beautiful crypts that have been preserved to this day as a memory of the days gone by.
All around. mountains and only the whistle of the wind among the stone tombs of invincible warriors speaks to the wanderers.
Next we saw the goal of our trip, the “Green” - “Dargan” pass.
And on it is the sanctuary of St. George - a characteristic place for the start of the ascent to Mt. Chizdzhytykhokh 2823 m.
On the eastern slope, seven teeth, inclined towards the top, clearly appear against the sky. There is a legend about the mountain itself: Once on a hot summer day, seven girls brought food and drink to their brothers, who were mowing grass in the high mountain meadows. Since the father, a hunter, disappeared in the mountains and there was no one to teach and protect the children. The four of them walked, leading a donkey and accompanied by a dog. The little sister, even though they didn’t take her, secretly ran after her sisters. In the mountains, the weather changes quickly. A thunderstorm began, a strong wind knocked us down, rain and hail hit us in the face. The youngest was crying and could not walk, and even the dog, which licked and warmed her face, could not carry her forward. The exhausted girls prayed: “It would be better for us to become stones than to endure such hardships.” And they turned into stone statues. Tvk and there are four sisters, a donkey with a bag and a dog on the ridge of a mountain, against the backdrop of the eternal sky.
The climb is not difficult in clear weather, but in foggy and rainy weather, which is not uncommon here, it is somewhat difficult and, given the rocks, even dangerous, although it is uncategorized. We found ourselves in exactly this weather.
Let's read what Yuri Levkovsky writes:
“The route starts from the Dargavsky pass
and goes north to the southern ridge of the mountain along a dirt road that runs along a grassy, gentle slope. After 1 hour the road turns right into pastures. Turning left from the road, you come to a wide ridge under the southern ridge. It is advisable to take a rest in this place.
The ascent to the southern ridge follows a steeply climbing path. The grass thins out, outcrops of small rocks and small destroyed gendarmes appear, which go around to the right. While driving, you should stick to the path that goes strictly along the ridge. The ridge is narrow, ending to the west with steep slopes and screes.
The route from the pass to the top takes 3-3.5 hours. The height difference is about 1000 meters. The route is short, but technically more difficult than from the east.”
There is a risk of swinging the ridge and falling onto the rocks or going downhill for ten kilometers to the side. However, such a risk was excluded by both Alexander and me. (Maybe he’ll be able to walk together? – Kazbek is like his home =)))
And after 2:20, we are at the top. View from above :
The weather didn't work out well, it's a pity. Chizdzhytykhokh is an observation point; from it you can see Kazbek, the Caucasus Range, and the entire Dargavsky valley.
The author of this opus is Dmitry.
I quote Yuri Levkovsky: “ Dargavskaya Basin
is one of the oldest places in North Ossetia.
The layers of cultures of various nationalities that have lived in it since ancient times, dating back to the early centuries BC, have been preserved here to this day. Several villages are located here. This is Dargavs
, which is the regional center, to the south of it are Kakadur, Fazikau, Lamardon, Jimara. On the slopes of the mountains you can see the ruins of old villages: Khussar, Lamardon, Northern and Southern Khintsag. Before the village Dargavs installed a high openwork arch with a commemorative inscription “Tsipp Baimatov - 120 years old”. Tsippu Baimatov was a well-known person in these places. At his insistence and preliminary design, the Gizeldon hydroelectric power station was built in the Koban Gorge in 1932.” See photo of the bridge.
Then we admired the views of old villages, temples and of course the mountains!
All this would not have been possible without Alexander Sushko and Georgy. That's why I present them:
Let's continue our walks
Warm October weather beckons travelers outside to admire the beauty and breathe fresh air. This can be done in the city itself. We suggest going to the park of culture and recreation named after. Kosta Khetagurova (entrance from house No. 2, Mira Avenue). It is interesting because it is designed in the form of two terraces connected by stairs. There are wide alleys, fountains, sculptures, gazebos, and attractions. Another option for a leisurely walk is the children's park named after. Zhukovsky (located between Timiryazevsky Lane and Gennady Maslennikov and Kirov streets).
October is the best time for walks in the park.
If you are deciding what else to see on your own in the city, we recommend going to the local zoo (Costa Ave., 24). It is small - only 60 animals live here. But it is noteworthy that almost all of them have a sad fate - they were brought here either abandoned or sick. Residents of the republic help care for the animals by providing financial assistance to the zoo.
Next to the zoo there is a children's railway (Costa Ave., 30). Ride along its 2.72 km route. Schoolchildren serve the railway: they are drivers, conductors, and road workers. In October, the road is open on holidays and weekends, from 9:00 to 18:00. Ticket price is 80 rubles per person.
Shrines and religious places of Vladikavkaz that are worth visiting
- The Cathedral of St. George the Victorious was built at the end of the 19th century. Over time, the temple lost its architectural integrity. In 2003, the temple underwent a major reconstruction. Today it is one of the main Armenian churches in the city.
In memory of the genocide of the Armenian people, a worship cross was installed in the courtyard of the temple. It is here that a piece of the relics of St. George the Victorious is kept, and thousands of pilgrims come to venerate them every year.
- The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an architectural monument of the 19th century. This is the oldest Orthodox church in the city, which was built in 1815 from wood, when a fortress stood on the site of the city. The stone temple was erected a little later.
The shrine, rising on Ossetian Mountain, was subject to demolition with the advent of Soviet power. However, believers managed to defend the structure of the shrine. The church was closed, and then a museum was placed in the building, which allowed it to be well preserved.
Since 1993, the church was returned to believers. After restoration, the temple again holds services.
- The Sunni mosque is one of the main Muslim symbols of the city, located in the center of Vladikavkaz. It is also called the Mukhtarov Mosque, as the mosque was built in 1908, with donations from the local oil magnate Murtuza-Aga Mukhtarov.
The height of the mosque is more than 16 meters, and the minarets are 33 meters. With the advent of Soviet power, they wanted to destroy the shrines. However, believers also managed to defend the mosque. It was recognized as an architectural monument, and a local history museum was housed in the mosque building.
Today, the Muslim shrine in the historical center of the city is visible from all districts of Vladikavkaz.
- The Holy Dormition Alan Monastery is located in the Kuratatinsky Gorge. This is one of the most famous monasteries in Ossetia and throughout Russia.
The monastery originates from two monks who went to the mountains to build a temple. Today the monastery is considered the highest monastery in Russia, due to its location.
The monastery includes a small chapel near the monastery. One of the main relics is kept here - the Iveron Mozdok Icon of the Mother of God, which was given by Queen Tamara the Great of Georgia.
Let's go to a birthday party
Traditionally, the October poster of Vladikavkaz includes the celebration of the birthday of the founding father of Ossetian literature, poet and playwright Kasta Khetagurov. October 15, 2022 is its 162nd anniversary. For this date, the theaters of Tskhinvali and Vladikavkaz prepared performances for mutual exchange of screenings. On October 14, the State Drama Theater of South Ossetia will show the drama “Costa” in Vladikavkaz. And on October 15, at the North Ossetian State Theater (Vladikavkaz, Karl Marx St., 77) - the play “Fatima”. Performances start at 18:00, ticket price starts from 200 rubles.
Monuments
There are many memorials and monuments in Vladikavkaz dedicated to famous people and heroes.
The main ones:
- Monument to Colonel Issa Pliev;
- Monument to Mikhail Bulgakov, depicted with his literary hero - the cat Behemoth;
- Memorial "Grandfather and Grandson";
- Monument to Uastirdzhi, dedicated to the deity;
- Monument to Dzaug Bugulov, founder of Vladikavkaz;
- The Fountain of Nart Soslan was erected in honor of the hero of the folk epic;
- Obelisk dedicated to the film crew of Sergei Bodrov.
Preparing gifts
Gastronomic delights, clothing and products in the national style—travelers have plenty to choose from in Vladikavkaz as gifts for friends and relatives.
The markets also sell good woolen mittens, socks, sweaters and hand-knitted hats. And leather products - shoes, belts, bags, wallets - are best purchased in stores. The prices are quite affordable.
For women, we recommend buying silver or gold jewelry - earrings that look like thin lace, a bracelet or a pendant in the national style. There is a large selection of them in jewelry stores and souvenir shops.
Men usually carry decorative daggers, the handle of which is decorated with carvings and the blade with engraving. Prices for such gifts start from 800 rubles.
Ossetian dagger - as a souvenir of the trip.
Pay attention to locally produced ceramics - vases, wine jugs, mugs, plates. The prices are incredible - for example, a jug can be purchased for 400–500 rubles.
For these purchases, we advise you to look into the shops “Ossetian Souvenir” (Mayakovskogo St., building 15), “Souvenirs of the Caucasus” (Mira Avenue, building 46), “Fatima” (Mira Avenue, building 16).
Don't leave Vladikavkaz without delicious gifts. We advise you to buy local churchkhela at the market; it costs from 30 to 50 rubles. Also take dried fruits - apricots, dried apricots, figs, prunes. In October, these products are fresh - made from new harvest fruits.
Churchkhela is a sweet souvenir for relatives.
Don't pass by the spice counters. Take it by weight - with a reserve for all your relatives. This is beneficial because you will certainly receive a discount for a large purchase.
And don't forget about the cheeses. For them, it is better to go to the Central Market (Kuibysheva St., building 1). On the road it is better to take a chechil or a braid, but if the journey home is short, then you can bring both soft and pickled cheeses without loss. You will be surprised at the prices: a kilogram of these products costs on average 500–600 rubles.
Many tourists try to buy alcohol with them. But keep in mind that decent cognac is not locally produced, but of Georgian origin. But araka - Ossetian vodka - is worth attention. The homemade product is especially praised, not the factory product.
Araka - try it yourself and bring it to your friends.
If you want to buy local wine, take it not from the market, but from a cafe. There they will fill a container of the volume you need and pack it.
A wonderful gift is sweets. You can buy chocolate products from the small Damzoff factory in the supermarket.
Table Mountain Vladikavkaz is a unique miracle of nature
On the border with Ingushetia and North Ossetia there is a landmark unique in its beauty and unusualness - Table Mountain Vladikavkaz . The beautiful rock is located not only on the coat of arms of this beautiful city, but also on the coat of arms of the Republic of Ingushetia. Such great attention and great love for ancient education is marked by the truly special uniqueness of this attraction.
The vertical steep slopes of the mountain and the flat top resemble a table, which is why all formations of this kind are usually called Table Mountains.
A unique miracle of nature
How high is the Vladikavkaz table mountain and how to get to it
The height of Table Mountain is 3003 m. Therefore, it is visible from a large number of places in the North Caucasus and is one of the largest peaks of the mountain range. But such a height did not become an obstacle for a large number of tourists flocking here from all over the planet.
Climbing the Vladikavkaz table mountain is a fairly simple journey. There is an easy trail from Ingushetia. It is not at all difficult and does not require any special mountaineering skills. The mountain itself can be reached by car. The journey from the city of Vladikavkaz will not take much time. In 40 minutes you will pass several checkpoints where only your Russian passport is checked, and you will find yourself at the foot of the mountain. The route runs along the A-161 highway, which has another name: the Georgian Military Road.
Afterwards, you need to turn onto the P-109 highway and drive to the village of Beini, where the road ends and the walking route begins. After leaving this village you will see the beautiful Beini Towers. After the towers, turn right and you will find yourself on the hiking route. And then everything happens in an elementary way. You simply follow the path without turning anywhere.
Snowy peaks of the Caucasus
Legends of the origin of the mountain
There are an endless number of legends about the origin of this mountain, each of which is interesting in its own way. But the most basic legend of the Vladikavkaz table mountain is about a young beauty and a young man in love.
In ancient times, a certain people lived in this place who were conquered by a dragon. Every year this beast took tribute from the population in the form of a young girl and took her to his cave. It was possible to get rid of him only if the young lady herself decided to jump into his mouth.
Meanwhile, the prince grew up with a beautiful daughter, whom he protected throughout her life. When she turned 16, the prince locked her in a tower to protect her from the dragon. But the girl escaped, disguised as a maid. She decided to save the village and jumped into the dragon’s mouth herself. The dragon caught fire and turned to ash. As a result of such miracles, a mountain was formed, on which the dead girl remained lying. Meanwhile, in the mountains, the shepherd Kazbek was tending sheep. He was secretly in love with this girl. And he asked the gods to turn him into a mountain too. He ran and quickly jumped down. At the site of his death, a mountain was formed, which was named Kazbek. This is how the beautiful Mount Kazbek and the young and feminine Table Mountain Vladikavkaz stand to this day, delighting us and inspiring us to extraordinary feats.
Calculating the cost of the trip
When planning your travel budget, first let’s estimate how much the trip will cost us. Have you decided to fly by plane? The cost of an air ticket with luggage from Moscow to Vladikavkaz is ≈ 5,700 rubles per person - see current prices on Aviasales.ru →
The train from Moscow to Vladikavkaz goes once a day, departure at 20:18 from Paveletsky station. The average price of a reserved seat ticket is 3,700 rubles; you can travel in a compartment for about 7,400 rubles. Train tickets can be bought online at Poezd.ru →
Since there are many tourists in the Caucasus in October, very cheap accommodation cannot be found. Daily accommodation in a double room at a 3* hotel (including breakfast) will cost approximately 3,200 rubles - find a suitable hotel on Hotellook.ru or Booking.com →
You can rent a studio apartment in the city center for about 2,000 rubles per day, but in the morning you will have to look for a cafe where you can refresh yourself. You can rent an apartment for several days through the website Sutochno.ru →
A typical tourist expense for Vladikavkaz is the cost of purchasing famous Ossetian pies. You should definitely try it with different fillings. Prices are low: a kilogram pie with potatoes costs ≈ 270 rubles, with cheese, as well as with two components - cheese and beet tops - 350 rubles each. Almost one and a half kilogram pie with meat - about 600 rubles.
Traditional national pie - a hearty snack between excursions!
Feedback Mikhail Sintsov from Nizhny Novgorod says:
“My wife and I have long wanted to visit the Caucasus. We chose Vladikavkaz because it is located in the very middle of the mountains. We arrived in October and are very glad we came. We saw not only the city and the sights of autumn Alanya, but also neighboring Ingushetia. That is, we got acquainted with two cultures. Informative. And very beautiful! It’s true what they say: the only things better than mountains are mountains! At work I advised the men to go too.”
Author: Natalya Signattulina
Main attractions of Vladikavkaz
There is a lot 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 getting acquainted with it by visiting the most interesting places in Vladikavkaz, which are its recognizable symbols.
Monument to Issa Pliev
- Address: Pliev Square. Transport stop "TSUM".
The blessed land gave the world many brave warriors who glorified the homeland of the Alans. One of them is military general Issa Pliev, who during the Second World War commanded a cavalry-mechanized corps that terrified Hitler’s vaunted warriors. A monument to the great countryman appeared on the embankment of Vladikavkaz in 1998. The tallest of several stone trapezoidal steles symbolizing mountains is crowned with a sculpture depicting Pliev galloping on a horse. A burka develops behind the general’s shoulders, he spurred his faithful comrade in arms, who is already ready to jump over the Terek. The composition by sculptors B. Totiev and N. Khodov stunningly conveys the expression of the moment.
Table Mountain
This landmark was given 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 clearly visible from anywhere in the city. The mountain, depicted on the coat of arms of the capital of North Ossetia and which has long become one of its main symbols, is especially beautiful at sunset. Be sure to come to the bridge over the Terek at this time to enjoy the stunning spectacle.
Sculpture "Fatima Giving the Sun"
- Address: st. Iristonskaya. Transport stop "Elkhotovskaya Street".
At the entrance from Beslan, tourists are greeted by another iconic landmark of Vladikavkaz. A cube is installed in the center of a small platform lined with slabs. A stylized sculpture of a beautiful Ossetian girl rises above it. A beauty in national clothes raises a solar disk with a mountain peak inscribed above her head. The townspeople affectionately call the elegant metal installation “Fatya”. According to the Nart epic, the Caucasus is considered the abode of the gods. Magnificent Fatima, as it were, gives a gift of sunlight from them to the residents of the city and its many guests.
Olginsky Bridge
- Address: st. Kotsoeva, 62. Transport stop “Nalchikskaya Street”.
In the spring, the capricious Terek floods widely, and its stormy waters easily carry away even serious crossings. Therefore, in the middle of the 19th century. city authorities decided to save the residents of Vladikavkaz from annual disasters by installing a permanent 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. The amazingly elegant structure with a span of 52 m was one of the main attractions of the city for more than a century, but over time it began to deteriorate. Instead, a new reinforced concrete structure was erected nearby. Part of the spans of the old bridge were installed in the village of Suargomskoye and in the Kabansky Gorge, and you can admire two of them today near the Sunni mosque.
Fountain "Nart Soslan"
- Address: Lenin Square. Transport stop "Lenin Square".
A simple fountain on Lenin Square, where townspeople loved to make dates and important meetings, has existed since ancient times. However, at the beginning of this century, the authorities decided to replace it with something more original. So in 2007, Vladikavkaz acquired another iconic landmark. The dominant feature of the magnificent sculptural composition is the figure of the mighty hero Soslan, dancing with a sword in his hand on the bowl of Uatsomonga. According to legend, the wondrous vessel was filled with a drink that gave great strength if the Narts told true stories about their exploits. Otherwise, a fetid liquid would appear in it, infested with toads and lizards. Geysers shoot from nozzles at the base of the bowl and from the gaping jaws of fairy-tale creatures seated around the perimeter of the round pool.
New Year in Vladikavkaz
Spending the New Year holidays in Vladikavkaz is a good idea. Banquets in a traditional style, with local specialties, are offered by most restaurants in the city. Throughout the New Year holidays in 2022, Vladikavkaz will host a variety of events - concerts, master classes, a fair and ice skating. Children will definitely want to visit Santa Claus's House in Central Park, and adults will appreciate the opportunity to watch a movie in an open-air cinema. Films will also be shown on New Year's retro trams, and travel on them will be free for everyone.
Feel the holiday spirit!
Pavel, 48 years old, from St. Petersburg shares his recommendation in a review:
“When you find yourself in Vladikavkaz, be sure to go to the Silk Road restaurant not far from Terrenkur Park. According to reviews, this is a favorite establishment of local residents. Here is real Ossetian cuisine and Ossetian service. The food is excellent, we were especially impressed by the double-filled pies.”
What to see on your own
The main walking street of the city is Mira Avenue. The buildings here can serve as a textbook on architecture - this is classicism, this is modern, and there is eclecticism. This street is pedestrian, and an exception was made only for one type of transport - the historical tram, one of the oldest in Russia. It’s worth a ride on it to be transported back to the last century, imagining yourself as a citizen of Vladikavkaz. At the beginning of January, when the city is dressed in festive decorations, it is especially beautiful here.
Shall we take a walk through the snowy Vladikavkaz?
Marina, 39 years old, from Kostroma says in her review:
“In Vladikavkaz, especially in the historical part of the city, there are many coffee shops. Locals said that a walk here is not considered a walk unless you drink coffee in one of them. Everyone has their favorites. We couldn't help but try it - the coffee is really tasty, and the selection is impressive. And this is very relevant for January weather - it warms and invigorates.”
Bad weather, which is quite possible in January, can be waited out in museums. At the Center for the Development of Folk Arts and Crafts you can get acquainted with the Koban and Alan culture, see the ethnic costumes of the world-famous fashion designer Isolda Gogichaeva and purchase unusual souvenirs. For example, a bowl for Ossetian prayer beer or handmade scarves.
Art lovers do not miss the Maharbek Tuganov Art Museum. Paintings by famous Ossetian and Russian artists are presented here, and temporary exhibitions are often held. The building itself is also difficult not to notice even on Mira Avenue; the architect Ryabikin during its construction was clearly inspired by the St. Petersburg Winter Palace.
What to expect from the weather
The weather in Vladikavkaz in January, despite the proximity of the mountains, is quite comfortable and suitable for long walks. The air temperature usually stays around −3–+3°C, regardless of the ten-day period of the month. But there are also exceptions. The maximum high temperature was recorded at +20°C, the minimum - -27°C.
Winter clothes and warm, comfortable shoes will be useful no matter the weather forecast and will definitely not be superfluous - whether you are planning to walk along the Terek or go to conquer mountain peaks.
Weather forecast in Vladikavkaz for January 2022.
