NORTH OSSETIA – ALANIA

North Ossetia-Alania, a republic of the Russian Caucasus with a rich Alan heritage.

Located in the North Caucasus, North Ossetia-Alania is a Russian republic marked by a unique heritage, that of the Alans, the ancestors of modern Ossetians. A mountainous region with spectacular landscapes, it is traversed by gorges, verdant valleys, and dominated by snow-capped peaks, including Mount Kazbek.

Its capital, Vladikavkaz, once at the crossroads of the Russian and Caucasian empires, is a dynamic city where Ossetian culture, Russian influences, and Muslim and Christian traditions intertwine. Further into the mountains, you’ll find Dargavs, one of the largest necropolises in the Caucasus, nicknamed the “city of the dead” for its mysterious stone mausoleums.

North Ossetia is also known for its traditional cuisine, including the famous Ossetian pies, and its Caucasian hospitality. An incredible off-the-beaten-path destination for those interested in geopolitics, Caucasian mythology, and mountain lovers. North Ossetia has a lot to offer!

My posts on North Ossetia

Quick overview of North Ossetia-Alania

  • Population : About 700 000 inhabitants
  • Minorities : Ossetians, Ingush, Russians
  • Capital : Vladikavkaz
  • Religions : Christian Orthodoxy & Sunni Islam
  • Protected area : Alania National Park
  • Must try food : Ossetian pie
  • Best time to visit : End of spring and summer
  • Border crossings : Verkhny Lars border with Georgia & Nizhny Zaramag border with South Ossetia