North Ossetia–Alania, Republic in North Caucasus region, Russia
Description
This is a republic in the North Caucasus spanning 8,000 square kilometers (3,100 square miles). The terrain rises from flat lowlands through rolling foothills to steep mountain chains with Kazbek as the highest point.
History
The territory gained republic status in 1936 after years as an autonomous region. Following the Soviet Union collapse, it adopted its present name with Alania added in 1993.
Culture
Many people here speak Ossetian daily alongside Russian, a language with roots different from most others spoken in the Caucasus. In the mountain villages, locals maintain traditional customs that shape everyday life and remain visible to those who visit.
Practical
The capital Vladikavkaz sits centrally and serves as a base for journeys into the mountains or the surrounding plains. Industrial activity centers on metalworking plants, machinery production, and mining operations visible in many areas.
Did you know?
Four parallel mountain chains run north of the main ridge: the Side Range, Rocky Range, Pasture Range, and Forest Range. This layout creates distinct zones that travelers can recognize more easily than elsewhere in the Caucasus.
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Mount Kazbek
58.9 km
Karmadon Gorge
43.4 km
Kolka Glacier
53.1 km
Blue Lakes
55.7 km
Gergeti Trinity Church
66 km
Darial Gorge
58.2 km
City of Angels
27 km
Tkhaba-Yerdy Church
71 km
Alan Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos
40.5 km
Alaniya National Park
51.5 km
Mukhtarov Mosque
40 km
Tree of Sadness
27 kmKhetag's grove
14.6 km
Dzhimara
53.9 km
Dzivgis Cave Fortress
34.7 km
Zæjgælan
48.9 km
Shovi
70.4 km
Truso valley
70.9 km
Ермоловский камень
56.3 km
Alley of Glory
41.4 km
Prospect Mira in Vladikavkaz
39.9 km
Башня Абаевых
65.9 km
Memorial of memory and glory in Nazran
43.5 km
North Ossetia Nature Reserve
51.8 km
Monument to last defender of Brest fortress
43.6 km
Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
41 km
North Ossetian Opera and Ballet Theater
39.8 km
Nalchik Mosque
60.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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