Dargavs Necropolis - City of the Dead
4 images 1 contributors Shoot with care
Ilya Melnik
Shoot with care
This is a necropolis which means a kind of an ancient cemetery, so please respect the feelings of those who lived here.
About this spot
Tucked away in the mountains of North Ossetia, you'll find one of the most intriguing and mysterious sites in Russia - the Dargavs Necropolis, also known as the "City of the Dead". This ancient cemetery offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past and is a must-see for anyone interested in history, culture, or the simply extraordinary.
The Dargavs Necropolis is located in a small, picturesque valley, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Caucasus Mountains. The site consists of almost 100 ancient stone crypts scattered across a hillside, resembling a small city with buildings of varying sizes and shapes. Each crypt served as a family tomb, with some dating back as far as the 14th century.
The creation of such necropolises was a tradition among the Ossetian people, a nation with deep historical roots in the Caucasus region. The Ossetians, descendants of the ancient Scythian and Sarmatian tribes, developed their unique funerary practices over many centuries.
When a person died, they were dressed in their best clothes and taken to the crypt. The body was placed in a wooden coffin along with personal belongings and necessities for the afterlife. Some crypts even contain small holes, which were used to 'feed' the dead.
One of the unique features of the Dargavs Necropolis is the "Tower of Souls" - a watchtower-like structure believed to have been used for ritual purposes. The exact function of the tower is still a subject of debate among researchers, adding to the mystery of the site.
Visiting the Dargavs Necropolis is an experience like no other. As you walk among the stone crypts, with the serene mountain landscape as a backdrop, you can't help but feel a profound sense of history. Each crypt tells a story of the people who once lived in this region, their beliefs, and their traditions.
However, as enticing as the history and mystery of Dargavs may be, visitors should also respect the site as a place of rest and remembrance. The Necropolis is an essential part of the cultural heritage of the Ossetian people and holds great historical and spiritual significance.
In conclusion, a trip to the Dargavs Necropolis offers a rare opportunity to explore a unique cultural site and gain a deeper understanding of the historical traditions of the Ossetian people. It's a journey into the past that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
The Dargavs Necropolis is located in a small, picturesque valley, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Caucasus Mountains. The site consists of almost 100 ancient stone crypts scattered across a hillside, resembling a small city with buildings of varying sizes and shapes. Each crypt served as a family tomb, with some dating back as far as the 14th century.
The creation of such necropolises was a tradition among the Ossetian people, a nation with deep historical roots in the Caucasus region. The Ossetians, descendants of the ancient Scythian and Sarmatian tribes, developed their unique funerary practices over many centuries.
When a person died, they were dressed in their best clothes and taken to the crypt. The body was placed in a wooden coffin along with personal belongings and necessities for the afterlife. Some crypts even contain small holes, which were used to 'feed' the dead.
One of the unique features of the Dargavs Necropolis is the "Tower of Souls" - a watchtower-like structure believed to have been used for ritual purposes. The exact function of the tower is still a subject of debate among researchers, adding to the mystery of the site.
Visiting the Dargavs Necropolis is an experience like no other. As you walk among the stone crypts, with the serene mountain landscape as a backdrop, you can't help but feel a profound sense of history. Each crypt tells a story of the people who once lived in this region, their beliefs, and their traditions.
However, as enticing as the history and mystery of Dargavs may be, visitors should also respect the site as a place of rest and remembrance. The Necropolis is an essential part of the cultural heritage of the Ossetian people and holds great historical and spiritual significance.
In conclusion, a trip to the Dargavs Necropolis offers a rare opportunity to explore a unique cultural site and gain a deeper understanding of the historical traditions of the Ossetian people. It's a journey into the past that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Join PhotoHound to learn how, where and when to capture amazing photos here
- Know the best times, seasons & shooting conditions
- Detailed directions - maps, co-ordinates and directions
- Know how to get there - where to park or how to reach there using public transport
- Browse inspirational photos and learn how they were taken - see the EXIF details
- Bookmark your favourite spots for future reference
- Know exactly when to shoot for beautiful photographs - sunrise, sunset, blue hour and astrophotography
- Detailed, 7-day weather forecast at this location
- Share your images with like-minded travel photographers
