"Since the beginning of this year, around 20,000 tourists have visited the republic, mostly from Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States," Elina Bataeva, the director of 'Tour-Ex', a tourist information center in Chechnya, told RIA Novosti.
Bataeva explained that in 2014, the number of tourists visiting Chechnya increased by 70 percent in comparison with the number of visitors in 2013, and she expects the flow of tourists from further field to continue the upward trend.
"The flow of tourists from neighboring countries and further afar is increasing; people have come from Austria, Germany, the USA, Italy, Egypt, Greece, India, Israel, South Korea, China, and France, among other countries."
"For tourists visiting Chechnya, 16 routes have been devised, some of which can be followed on foot or even on horseback, in regions of great natural or cultural and historical significance. The most popular routes are excursions in Grozny, tours to Lake Kezenoy-am in the Caucasian mountains, and the Argan gorge."
The 'Tsoi-Pede' necropolis, meaning 'Abode of Divinity,' is one of 218 cultural heritage sites in Chechnya, and is located in the historical district of Malkhista, which means 'Land of the Sun.'
The entrance to the necropolis is formed by two pagan pillar-like sanctuaries which guard the collection of 42 medieval crypts and above-ground tombs, some of which date back to the 15th century.
