Tskhinvali is the capital of the breakaway Republic of South Ossetia. The city is located in the disputed region of South Ossetia, in the southern Caucasus Mountains. It is a small city, home to around 50,000 people, and is located around 25km from the border with Russia. The city has a tumultuous history, and has been fought over by various powers for centuries. It was largely destroyed in the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. Since then, it has been rebuilt, and is now a quiet and sleepy city, home to a large South Ossetian population. Tskhinvali is a fascinating place to visit, and offers a unique glimpse into the world of breakaway republics and disputed territories.