Ascension Cathedral
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Ascension Cathedral of Almaty , is Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The work started in 1994 & was completed in 1907, the cathedral is made out of wood but without nails. ( Some speculate the decision to refrain from using nails was due to their contribution to the crucifixion of Jesus ). & is 56 meters tall. It is claimed to be the second tallest wooden church in the world. The cathedral survived the 1911 earthquake with minimal damage, even though it was built without any nails, which some bishops attributed to divine intervention. The inner structure of the cathedral was made in art workshops in Moscow and Kiev. The iconostasis was painted by N. Khludov. After the Russian Revolution the cathedral was used to house the Central State Museum of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. From 1930 to 1940 it was used by notable public organizations. The first radio transmitters in Almaty were situated in the cathedral's belfry. Restoration work on the cathedral began in 1973 and lasted until 1976. In May 1995 control of the cathedral was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church. In 1997, after additional restoration work, it was reopened for religious services. Since July 2017, the cathedral has undergone a large-scale reconstruction, which ended on October 28, 2020. The cathedral is currently open to the public, and welcomes newcomers and guests. Cathedral" coinage:- On June 2, 2007, the National Bank of Kazakhstan put into circulation the coin "Cathedral Cathedral" (proof quality) of 500 tenge in 925 sterling silver with the mintage of 4000 pieces with the aim to promote the understanding of the culture of Kazakhstan, and to favor the idea of religion as a peaceful teaching about spiritual and moral self-improvement of person. The coin bears the coat of arms of Kazakhstan as well as inscriptions divided by dots on its circumference saying "500 ТЕҢГЕ", "ҚАЗАҚСТАН РЕСПУБЛИКАСЫ" in Kazakh and "РЕСПУБЛИКА КАЗАХСТАН" in Russian are depicted on the obverse. Reverse: in the center - image of Voznesensky Cathedral of Alma-Ata city, in the upper part - circumferential inscriptions "КАФЕДРАЛЫҚ ШІРКЕУ" and "КАФЕДРАЛЬНЫЙ СОБОР" and trademark of Kazakhstan Mint, on the left side - inscription "ALMATY 2007", on the bottom - inscription "Ag 925 31.1g" The park around the Cathedral is well kept as well & peaceful. It has a kids play area, Open Gym area. The park also has other monuments such as. " Monument of Panfilov", " Memorial of Glory ", In the night when up-lighters are on then the Cathedral looks stunning. I visited in mid August of 2024. * Historical Significance 10 on 10 * Time Taken Depending on your Interest but usually about 1 & Half hours . * Do I recommend.... A must visit if you are in Almaty. Tickets : No tickets required,
Preetam ChordiaPreetam Chordia
00
The murals and the embellishments inside are beyond enchanting – there is something mystical about Orthodox churches that no one can explain, including this cathedral. The pictures shared in my review, which shows the interior of the cathedral, speak for themselves. Plus the exterior façade itself, adorned with different hues of paint color like blue, pink/ red, yellow, green, and gold, is an eye candy and very picturesque; a far cry from the cathedral buildings that you will see in Western Europe which are mostly drab grey. Proof are in the shared pictures. Unfortunately, the weather was cloudy that day so the pictures don’t give justice to the colorful façade of the cathedral. I would like to point-out as well that the cathedral is not too grandiose as the overall structure is modest in size: not small nor too large. If you are a first time tourist, my suggestion is to visit the church on a Sunday (I visited mid- or late morning), as you will feel the mood and energy of the cathedral and its surroundings. I did not go inside the church while the service is ongoing and I imagine it to be quite serene. However, the energy outside of the church is quite the opposite: bustling with energy with street vendors like flower sellers who are anticipating church goers to exit the cathedral. And once they do, the surrounding areas of the Cathedral become quite lively and vibrant – families or friends mingle with each other, women buying flowers from vendors, children running, playing, and feeding pigeons, and horses being rented for short rides around the park. People look quite happy but the overall mood is still enigmatic or mysterious. Definitely a must see and visit if you happen to be in Almaty as a tourist. A trip to Almaty would be incomplete without seeing this incredible cathedral.
Raymundo AtienzaRaymundo Atienza
00
Location Review: A Serene Fairytale Escape Nestled in the heart of tranquility lies a hidden gem, a place that feels straight out of a fairytale. As you step into this enchanting location, you are greeted by the gentle cooing of pigeons, adding a whimsical touch to the serene ambiance. The sight of an old horse carriage invites you to take a nostalgic ride, transporting you to a bygone era filled with charm and elegance. One of the most captivating features of this place is its magnificent Russian Orthodox architecture. Adorned with intricate paintings that depict tales of history and culture, every corner unveils a piece of art that mesmerizes the soul. The fusion of architectural brilliance and artistic expressions creates an immersive experience, where every step feels like a journey through time. Amidst this picturesque setting, a calisthenics park beckons the adventurous spirits. Surrounded by nature's beauty, it offers a refreshing space to engage in physical activities, rejuvenating both the body and mind. Whether it's a morning workout or an evening stroll, the park adds an element of vitality to the tranquil atmosphere. Overall, this location is a haven for those seeking a blend of beauty, history, and serenity. It's a place where fairytales come to life, where every moment is a story waiting to unfold. Whether you're feeding pigeons, exploring the architectural wonders, or embracing nature's embrace, this serene retreat promises an experience that lingers in the heart long after the visit ends.
Kaizen Yoga TravelKaizen Yoga Travel
10
Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, is a prominent Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It was constructed between 1904 and 1907, designed by the architect Andrei Pavlovich Zenkov. Remarkably, the cathedral is built entirely of wood, including its nails, making it one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. The cathedral's design reflects a traditional Russian Orthodox style with elaborate and colorful decoration, featuring vibrant domes and intricate iconostasis. It was engineered to withstand earthquakes, a crucial consideration given Almaty's seismic activity. This resilience was proven during the 1911 earthquake, which caused minimal damage to the structure. Throughout its history, the cathedral has served various purposes. During the Soviet era, it was repurposed for secular uses, including as a museum and a concert hall. It was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in the early 1990s after Kazakhstan gained independence, and it has since been restored to its original function as a place of worship. Today, Ascension Cathedral is not only a significant religious site but also a key cultural and historical landmark in Almaty, attracting both worshippers and tourists. Its impressive architecture and historical significance make it a must-visit destination in the city.
Andy DanzAndy Danz
00
The Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, is one of Almaty’s most remarkable landmarks and a masterpiece of Russian Orthodox architecture. Located in Panfilov Park, this vibrant and beautifully painted cathedral stands out with its intricate detailing and colorful facade, framed by a serene park setting. Built entirely of wood without the use of nails, the cathedral has stood the test of time since its completion in 1907, even surviving a major earthquake. The interior is equally captivating, with richly adorned icons, murals, and golden accents that create a spiritual and peaceful atmosphere. The high ceilings, wooden carvings, and colorful stained-glass windows contribute to a grand yet warm ambiance. Visitors often appreciate the reverence that fills the space, making it both a place for worship and quiet reflection. Beyond its architectural beauty, the Ascension Cathedral holds historical significance, being one of the few pre-Soviet buildings that survived the Soviet era intact. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Almaty, offering a unique perspective on Kazakhstan’s cultural and religious history and a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or spirituality, the Ascension Cathedral is a true gem that should not be missed.
AmareshAmaresh
00
Must Visit a place of Orthodox Russian Cathedral. There is not any entry fee. You must bring kids for enjoy and they can play with pigeons and other activities. Park is very peace and calm. Spend a good time there. You can reach there by public transport and very near to Green Bazar. Some good hostels are very near e.g Wanderlust and many. Horse Cart ride is expensive, i will recommend to do it. From this place you can get bus for any place of Almaty. In night Cathedral looks more beautiful. You should visit in the night also once. Many young boys and girls plays volleyball also there. I asked them to join me , they happily agreed and I enjoyed to play and their company. People are very humble and cooperative. You can see small kids running scooters and skit board. Very happy and cherish atmosphere there all the time. Its open till late night because it’s the way inside the cathedral to connect Green Bazar road and University road. Many students you can find here e.g. Chinese, Mongolian, Russian and Indian. If you like my review please like and follow. Thank you so much for the go through my review.
Vipin MathurVipin Mathur
10
Nearby Attractions Of Ascension Cathedral
Green Bazaar
Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen
G.U.M.
Zenkov's Cathedral
Arbat G. Almaty
Trading House Passage
Alma Shopping Center
Megatau
Zhambyl Kazakh State Philharmonic
Renion Park Hotel
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Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen
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G.U.M.
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Zenkov's Cathedral
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Nearby Restaurants Of Ascension Cathedral
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Shaslik At Kirova Str.
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Gogol St 40в, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
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Website
cathedral.kz
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Overview
4.8
(2.7K reviews)
Ratings & Description
attractions: Green Bazaar, Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, G.U.M., Zenkov's Cathedral, Arbat G. Almaty, Trading House Passage, Alma Shopping Center, Megatau, Zhambyl Kazakh State Philharmonic, Renion Park Hotel, restaurants: Shashlychok Na Pastera, Shaslik At Kirova Str., Lanzhou noodle, I'm restaurant Alatau, Harat's Pub on Panfilov Street, Turandot Restaurant, Restaurant Venezia, Restaurant Princess, Pinta Bar&Grill, Darejani
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