'City of the Dead': Mysterious Necropolis in Russia’s South

Dargavs has a variety of striking architecture, including fortified towers and a necropolis for 97 tombs. It also has an intriguing burial site that dates back to the first millennium AD.

Each family had its own tomb, but the dead were not buried in a grave in the earth but were instead placed into the tomb through a special opening, which was closed afterwards by a wooden shield. When the entire space was occupied, the remains were lowered to provide space for further burials, allowing more than 100 people to be buried in the same tomb.

Sputnik has selected the best photos of Dargavs to make you feel as if you are walking through this mysterious place.

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Tourists near necropolis in the ‘City of the Dead’ in Russia’s republic of North Ossetia

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A tomb on the territory of the ‘City of the Dead’ in Russia’s republic of North Ossetia

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Information board warning the visitors against causing any damage to the objects of architecture found on the territory of the ‘City of the Dead’.

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Skulls and coins in a tomb on the territory of the ‘City of the Dead’ in Russia’s republic of North Ossetia and Alania

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An ancient tower is pictured near the City of the Dead, a medieval Alanian burial site and a local branch of the North Ossetian National Museum near the village of Dargavs, Russia's Republic of North Ossetia - Alania.

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A general view of the Dzhimara river-valley, Russia's Republic of North Ossetia - Alania.

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Necropolis on the territory of the ‘City of the Dead’ in Russia’s republic of North Ossetia

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An ancient tomb on the territory of the ‘City of the Dead’ in Russia’s republic of North Ossetia

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Cars parked near necropolis on the territory of the ‘City of the Dead’ in Russia’s republic of North Ossetia

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Mountain papavers are pictured in Dzhimara river-valley, Russia's Republic of North Ossetia - Alania.

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Tombs in the 'City of the Dead' necropolis on the territory of the ‘City of the Dead’ in Russia’s republic of North Ossetia

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Part of the tomb in the 'City of the Dead' necropolis in Dargavs village in Russia's republic of North Ossetia

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