| Originally a descendant of the Alans, a Sarmatian | | | | behind the ridges. It has health spas in the middle of |
| tribe, South Ossetia is a de facto independent | | | | the mountains, and with the famous mineral water, |
| country that is unrecognized as a nation though | | | | caves and waterfalls, this is a place where you can |
| known to be part of Georgia. The Ossetians became | | | | feel totally relaxed and at one with nature. |
| Christians during the Middle Age after being under the | | | | If you want to glimpse the magnificent view of the |
| Georgian and Byzantine authority. | | | | countryside, you will have to take a bus or |
| In 1801, after being freed from the Mongol empire, | | | | marshrutkas from Tbilisi's Didube market. The Tbilisi |
| Ossetia was annexed to Russia. However, Georgia | | | | has a lively Mediterranean feel, and you can get lost |
| claimed them and then Ossetia was halved into two, | | | | in the many winding streets. Just make sure to be |
| north and south. South Ossetia became a part of the | | | | there really early as the buses leave as soon as they |
| Menshevik Georgian Democratic Republic, while the | | | | are full. The place is perfect for adventurers but be |
| north became a part of the Terek Soviet Republic. In | | | | sure to bring adequate supplies as the trek in the |
| 1992, Georgia pledged not to impose sanctions to | | | | mountains might take a few days. |
| South Odessa though they still have control over | | | | If you want a journey through, then South Ossetia is |
| some parts of the country. | | | | the perfect place with the various monuments |
| At present, South Ossetia's unrecognised | | | | scattered all throughout the area. Symbols of national |
| government is centred at Tskhinvali, the capital and | | | | pride, several semi-ruined stone towers, are seen |
| also the largest town in the region. South Ossetia is a | | | | below Mount Narivhoh in the Central Mountains. Aside |
| country full of historic and cultural monuments and is | | | | from this, a ride on the road linking North Ossetia |
| composed of two other cities Alkhagori, which is | | | | with the South is something to remember especially |
| home to the remarkable Lomisi Brewery, home of | | | | when you think about how many people sacrificed |
| the best Georgian beer and Java, the administrative | | | | their lives just to create this seemingly last link of the |
| district of Georgia. | | | | their cultures. |
| South Ossetia has stunning scenery, a balmy climate | | | | Like most countries, authentic Ossetian food is |
| and with the variety of flora and fauna, it is one of | | | | exquisite. You can also try some when you go to the |
| the top destinations of biologists. South Ossetia | | | | Tbilisi Market. Most visitors recommend a taste of |
| boasts many beautiful mountains which are even | | | | the Ossetian pie, a dish very similar to the Georgian |
| more glorious at dawn or at the end of the day, just | | | | khachapuri, but with meat and mushrooms instead of |
| before the last rays of the sun disappear from | | | | cheese. |