Vladikavkaz overview
Vladikavkaz (also spelled Vladikavkas) is a city located in the southern part of Russia, in the middle of the Northern Caucasus, the capital of the Republic of North Ossetia (Alania). In Soviet times it was called Ordzhonikidze (1931-1944, 1954-1990) and Dzaudzhikau (1944-1954).
The population of Vladikavkaz consists of (2002 est.): Osetins - 59,51%, Russians - 27,59%, Armenians - 3,89%, Georgians - 2,32 %. The city is located in northern Caucasus, on the banks of the river Terek, 30 km from Daryal canyon, where Voyenno-Gruzinskaya road starts.
Vladikavkaz population is about 312,000 (2009).
Vladikavkaz city phone code - +7 8672; postal codes - 362000-362048.
Vladikavkaz history
Vladikavkaz was founded in 1784 near Osetin settlement of Dzudzhikau, or, according to other versions, Zaurovo or Kapkai. Originally Vladikavkaz was a fortress closing entrance to Daryal canyon.
The emperor Catherine II named the new fortress Vladikavkaz (“the city owning Caucasus”). More than once the city was visited by A.S.Griboyedov, A.S.Pushkin, M.Yu.Lermontov, L.N.Tolstoy, A.N.Ostrovsky.
During the Civil War the city was ruled by Denikin army from February 1919 till 1920. In 1924 Gorskaya Autonomous Republic was divided into national oblasts (provinces) and the city was declared the capital of both Ingush and Osetin autonomous oblasts, and remained that status till 1933.
Vladikavkaz views
Vladikavkaz Russia city view
Author: Radion Hohti
Vladikavkaz city scenery
Author: Kiyanovsky Dmitry
Vladikavkas city street
Author: Golodnyak Alexander
Vladikavkaz facts
A railway connects Vladikavkaz with the town of Beslan which is a large railway juncture on the line Rostov-on-Don - Baku. There are regular trains to Moscow, Adler, Anapa, Novorossiysk and Saint-Petersburg. Local electric trains run to Beslan and Mineralnye Vody towns.
In the outskirts of Beslan the airport Vladikavkaz is located, with regular flights to Moscow. Voeyenno-Gruzinskaya (Military-Georgian) road starts in Vladikavkaz connecting Russia and Georgia.
Vladikavkaz city transportation consists of trams (since August 1904), trolley-buses (since February 1977), buses and minivans. Among the main industries of the city are food, light, machine-building, non-ferrous metallurgy etc.
Vladikavkas sceneries
Vladikavkas Russia city scenery
Author: Svetlana Apaeva
Vladikavkas city scenery
Author: Svetlana Apaeva
Vladikavkaz Russia city scenery
Author: Murat Tskhovrebov
Vladikavkaz places if interest
Prospect Mira (former Alexandrovsky prospect) - historical and cultural center of Vladikavkaz city; a pedestrian street only.
Osetinskaya Church (built in 1860) is the only oldest building which was ruined after it was built in the fortress before Vladikavkaz became a city.
Armenian Church of St.George the Enlightener (1868).
Sunitskaya mosque (1907), served as a museum in the 40s of 20th century. The mosque was fully restored in 1997 and became a church.
Memorials to the participants of World War of 1941-1945, Civil War and to the outstanding personalities of Ossetia.
A lot of 2-3 storeyed brick houses of the end of 19th century, early 20th century.
