Derbentsky District: History and Nature

The Armenian Church of St. Grigoris stands in Nyugdi; historic wine cellars are located in Gedzhukh. Near Jalgan is Petrovskaya Grove, an oak forest with old and young trees. Hot springs described as having healing properties are associated with Berekey and Belidji. In 2014, remains of an old structure were discovered in Kommuna.

The Armenian Church of St. Grigoris in Nyugdi was built in memory of events from the 4th century. This date refers to the events being commemorated, not to the year the church was built. This makes the date different from that of the wine cellars in Gedzhukh, whose construction dates to the 1860s.

The wine cellars of the “Gedzhukhskiy” winery were built in Gedzhukh on the instructions of Count Illarion Ivanovich Vorontsov-Dashkov. The construction period and patron place this architectural landmark in a different historical context from the religious commemoration in Nyugdi.

The Rubas Wall is also among the district’s historical subjects: fragments of the old wall were described by travelers as early as the 17th and 18th centuries. Separately, in February 2014, remains of an old structure were discovered in the valley of the Rubas River, where it meets the coastal plain in the village of Kommuna. The remains were covered by river silt deposits. Thus, early travel accounts and a precisely dated discovery site are two distinct historical references.

Petrovskaya Grove near the village of Jalgan is an oak forest with old and young trees. The tree population is central to its classification: it distinguishes this natural feature from the hot springs associated with the settlements of Berekey and Belidji.

These springs are described as having healing properties. This retains the traditional description without claiming a medical effect. Together, a specifically described forest and the hot springs represent different natural and landscape interests in the district.

In the broader cultural context of the Republic of Dagestan, the fortifications of Derbent and the medieval buildings of the old town, the Magalims, together form a cultural landscape. The citadel contains archaeological remains of a bathhouse, several underground water reservoirs, a 5th-century Christian church, and an 8th-century mosque.

Steep slopes surround the citadel on three sides. Its massive stone walls are 2.5 to 3.2 meters thick, more than 700 meters long, and 10 to 15 meters high. Nine of the fortification’s original 14 gates remain. The mountain wall also runs 40 kilometers westward through the mountains, completely blocking the pass between the sea and the mountains. This extensive fortified landscape is therefore markedly different from the individual cultural landmarks of Derbentsky District.

Tobot Waterfall lies at an altitude of 1,690 meters at the beginning of Tsolotl Canyon on the Khunzakh Plateau. It is among the highest waterfalls in the North Caucasus; its exact drop is unknown, with estimates ranging from 50 to 100 meters. It carries the most water from May to July. In winter, it freezes over and turns into a large icicle—a striking seasonal change in the landscape.

The Sarykum Dune is also part of the natural context of the Republic of Dagestan. The dune area is part of the Dagestan Nature Reserve, but not all of the dune is accessible to visitors. Metal walkways lead onto the dune; the hiking trail is called “Put' mudroy cherepakhi” (“Path of the Wise Turtle”). Check the current visitor rules before your visit. In Gunib, a path leads from the Shamil Gates along the three-kilometer-long fortress wall to a tower.

Discover more destinations: Khazar, Kizlyar District, Makhachkala, Gunibsky District, Buynaksk.

What periods do the dates for the church and wine cellars refer to?

The Church of St. Grigoris was built in memory of events from the 4th century. The wine cellars of the “Gedzhukhskiy” winery, by contrast, were built in the 1860s. The two dates therefore refer to different places and historical contexts.

How high is Tobot Waterfall exactly?

Its exact drop is unknown. Estimates range from 50 to 100 meters; Tobot is among the highest waterfalls in the North Caucasus.

Is the entire Sarykum Dune accessible to visitors?

No, not all of the dune is accessible. Metal walkways lead onto the dune. Check the current visitor rules before your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Republic of Dagestan.