Magas: Tower Architecture and Views

The 100-meter-high Tower of Concord and the Alanian Arch showcase two distinctive sides of Magas: architecture connected to Ingush history and views of the city and region. The broader travel destination of the Republic of Ingushetia continues this theme with medieval tower complexes and mountainous landscapes. This distinction can help you choose a destination and a holiday apartment: would you like to focus on Magas itself, or are you also interested in the Republic of Ingushetia’s wider landscape and cultural heritage?

Buildings and Views in Magas

The Tower of Concord was built in 2013 in the style of a medieval Ingush tower, enlarged fourfold. Its form draws on this historical architecture, while its construction date clearly places it in the present day. During a visit to the tower, visitors hear about the history of Ingush towers, culture and art, as well as the life and everyday customs of the Ingush people. In this way, the building combines its striking form with an insight into history and culture.

The two buildings also offer distinct views. The Alanian Arch at the entrance to the city has an observation platform overlooking Magas. From the balcony of the 100-meter-high Tower of Concord, you can take in a panorama of the Republic of Ingushetia. The arch therefore focuses the view on the city, while the tower looks out across the republic. Both perspectives are part of Magas, but they differ in their geographical scale.

Tower Heritage and Landscapes of the Republic of Ingushetia

The broader travel destination of the Republic of Ingushetia is home to around 2,000 medieval towers. Some of the best known are the complexes at Vovnushki, Egikal, Targim, Leimi, Ozdik and Khamkhi. Their number shows that the region’s tower heritage extends far beyond the buildings in Magas. Egikal is one of the largest tower complexes in mountainous Ingushetia.

Around the hamlet of Egikal are underground, semi-underground and above-ground burial sites from pre-Islamic and Muslim periods. These terms distinguish the locations of the sites and also point to different forms of this historical heritage. Remains of Ingush ancestors are visible in the crypts known as “sun tombs.” The region’s cultural heritage therefore includes not only towers, but also burial sites from different periods.

The construction of individual complexes adds further variety. The Vovnushki defensive tower complex consists of two straight towers linked by a shared wall on a rock. Another defensive bastion stands on the opposite slope of the gorge. In the Middle Ages, Erzi was a large town with more than 100 architectural structures. Most of its tower buildings have five stories; the tallest tower is up to 30 meters high. These examples show the different scales and forms found within the region’s tower heritage.

The Republic of Ingushetia lies on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus. Its highest point is Mount Shan, at 4,451 meters; the federally significant Ingushski State Nature Reserve is also located there. There is also a specific restriction to keep in mind when planning a vacation: the ski slope at the Armkhi resort is out of service until 2029 because the cableway is being dismantled.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on. If you are especially interested in the Tower of Concord, the Alanian Arch and views of Magas, focus on the city.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ali-Yurt, Armkhi, Nazran, Barsuki.

Return to the broader travel guide: Republic of Ingushetia.