The Zgil Range is located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range.
The name of the Zgil Range is associated with the abandoned high-altitude settlement of Zgil (at an elevation of approximately 2,000 m above sea level), the most remote settlement in the Mamisonskoye Gorge.
The village stands at the end of the gorge, before the ascent to the mountain pass, on the left bank of the Mamison River.
The village of Zgil originated as an outpost along a caravan route.
One of the settlement’s main attractions is the watchtowers of the Cheldiev family, dating from the XVII-XVIII centuries.
Among them is the 13-meter-high tower of Beka Cheldiev, distinguished by its very thick walls, loopholes, and machicolations. The tower stands on a massive travertine outcrop and dominates the surrounding area.
It is designated as a cultural heritage site of federal significance.
The remains of residential estates and a cemetery with stelae have also survived.
Among the later monuments, the neighboring village of Lisri, located on the left bank of the Mamison River, is home to the remnants of the Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, built in 1902 in the Byzantine style.
Interestingly, local travertine was used in its construction, and some researchers suggest that an older religious structure may have previously stood on this site.