North Ossetia Dargavs City of the Dead
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North Ossetia Dargavs City of the Dead

North Ossetia Dargavs City of the Dead
An ancient Ossetian cemetery of 97 different types of crypts. North Ossetia Dargavs City of the Dead

Dargavs City of the Dead
A place called the City of the Dead actually exists in Russia’s North Ossetia, hidden in one of the five mountain ridges that cross the region. However, to reach Dargavs, the City of the Dead, you need a three-hour journey through winding, narrow roads, and several hills. The city itself is, in fact, an ancient Ossetian cemetery of 97 different types of crypts. Each family of the area has a crypt, and the higher the structure, the greater the number of people buried in it. Noteworthy, the oldest of the crypts dates back to the 16th century. Meanwhile, some towers is a striking example of the Ossetian stone architecture. And the construction of such towers could afford only the most wealthy families.

Dargavs - The City of the Dead in North Ossetia, Russia
Dargavs – The City in North Ossetia, Russia

Inhabited in ancient times, the village dates back to the Bronze Age. That’s why archaeologists find here lots of sites, including the Alan burial of the end of the first millennium AD. In fact, Dargavs was one of the main centers of formation of Tagaurian mountain community. According to historical and genealogical legends, here lived Taga Prince, founder of the genera and families, referring to the upper class of East Ossetia.

North Ossetia Dargavs City of the Dead

Dargavs - The City of the Dead in North Ossetia, Russia
Inhabited in ancient times, the village dates back to the Bronze Age. North Ossetia, Russia
Dargavs - The City of the Dead in North Ossetia, Russia
In fact, Dargavs was one of the main centers of formation of Tagaurian mountain community
Dargavs - The City of the Dead in North Ossetia, Russia
Mysterious City in North Ossetia, Russia
Dargavs City of the Dead
Each family of the area has a crypt
Dargavs City of the Dead
The City in North Ossetia, Russia. Photo by Alex Svirkin
Dargavs City of the Dead
Photo by Alex Svirkin, Dargavs

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