The 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park (Kazakh: 28 гвардияшы-панфиловшылар саябағы) is an urban park located in east-central Almaty in the area surrounding the Ascension Cathedral. It is dedicated to and named after the Panfilov heroes which were the 28 soldiers of an Alma-Ata Infantry unit who allegedly died while defending Moscow from the German invasion during the Second World War. The group took its name from Ivan Panfilov, the General commanding the 316th division which, in spite of heavy casualties, believed at that time managed to significantly delay the Germans advance to Moscow, thus buying the time for the defenders of the city. AN ETERNAL FLAME commemorating the fallen of the World War II and the Eastern Front burns in front of the giant black monument of soldiers from all 15 Soviet Republics. The Park was founded in the 1870s on the place of a cossack village cemetery, which was originally named Starokladbischensky Park, meaning Old Cemetery Park which was destroyed in 1921. The only preserved graves that avoided destruction were Kolpakovsky family was daughter Leonilla Kolpakovsky who was buried in 1860 and grandson of Vladimir Basilewski who was buried in 1882; which the gravestone was restored in 2011. Mass grave memorials of victims of the 1887 earthquake are currently lost. Starokladbischensky Park was later connected to the Catholic which it was called Urban Garden. The garden was removed which Andrey Pavlovich Zenkov participated in role of changing the park. The name of the park changed on a regular basis, in 1899 during the 100th anniversary birth of famous Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin. The park changed its name to Pushkin Garden. Between 1904 and 1907, there was a period of construction on one of Almaty’s few surviving Tsarist-era buildings. In 1913, the park held an agricultural and industrial exhibition for the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty. Architectural and construction part was organized by military engineer Andrey Pavlovich Zenkov. On the eastern part of the territory, new buildings were built in different architectural styles, 28 state-owned and 15 private pavilions. The main avenue of the park along the avenue Kolpakovsky was decorated with yurts, which housed all the diversity of the Kazakh national art, everyday life and crafts. Nearby the Ascension Cathedral, the city council, and the cinema which then was nicknamed "of the twentieth century" were equipped with the first electricity that affected the image of the "Garden City". The park changed its name to the "Park of the Fallen Heroes" in 1919 due to the burial of A. Berezovsky and K. Ovcharov and other heroes who participated in the Red Army during the Russian Civil War which then changed its name to Lenin Local Park with urban cemeteries being prohibited. During the years before 1927, the park was called variously called Gubkompomarma Garden or Public Park of the 1 May. In 1927, during the conversion of Alma-Ata, as the new capital of Soviet Kazakhstan, the park was named Federation of Soviet Republics. Until 5 May 1942, the park changed into its current name when it was finally renamed in honor of Panfilov soldiers of the 1075 regiment of the 312th rifle division, who having small forces at that time believed that they were able to blunt the German attack at the approaches to Moscow in November 1941. The territory of the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen includes several historical buildings dated back to early and mid-20th century, such as: Ascension Cathedral, erected without a single nail, the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, and the House of Officers. The park is popular place for the locals & tourists. During the Victory Day celebrations, Almatians lay flowers and wreaths to its foot in respect for those killed in World War II. Zenkov made current modern-day park & improved Almaty. In 1982, he was made monuments significance of Kazakhstan, which were three sites,Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen,museum of folk instruments, the Ascension Cathedral and the Memorial of Glory. A must visit I must...
Read moreA must-see, memorable, local public park. Features a Memorial park (the 28, Eternal Flame), with Russian Orthodox Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral) at its center.
History: Panfilov's Twenty-Eight Guardsmen, Panfilov's Men (Russian: Панфиловцы, Panfilovtsy), or just the Twenty-Eight, is a group of soldiers from the Red Army's 316th Rifle Division who took part in the 1941–1942 Battle of Moscow during World War II. According to Soviet records of the time, all were killed in action on 16 November 1941 after destroying 18 German tanks and stopping the enemy attack; the Twenty-Eight were collectively endowed with the title Hero of the Soviet Union. As a preceding event, it's reminiscent of a later event noted in the nonfiction book "Enemy at the Gates: The Battle for Stalingrad", which describes the events surrounding the Battle of Stalingrad in the winter of 1942–1943.
An Eternal Flame commemorating the fallen of the World War II and the Eastern Front burns 24/7. Memorial of Glory monument was built in 1975.
Address: Gogol Street, 40В Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan Description: Urban Forest Park, next to the Ascension Cathedral (Orthodox Russian Church) are ice cream vendors (500-750 KZT), horse and pony rides for kids. Plenty of pigeons for feeding in the South outdoor courtyard of the Cathedral. In winter, ice rinks become available, with more food vendors. Bathrooms: Approximately, 50m SouthEast near the Ascension Cathedral. FYI not handicap friendly restrooms, these are squat toilets. (There are no restrooms in the Russian Orthodox Church, and none in the adjacent store). Inner church has head coverings for women to wear and return. Store sells various russian orthodox items, portraits, memorabilia, low and high end cross jewelry, as well as, small vials of fragrant anointing oil (for healing) blessed by the other churches in the orthodoxy. Parking: In good weather, looking for parking is a challenge, with driving area very tight, and a scarcity of open parking spots. Coordinates: 43°15′32″N 76°57′11″E Area: 44...
Read moreThe 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park in Almaty is a beloved and historically significant green space, dedicated to the memory of the 28 soldiers from Almaty who heroically defended Moscow during World War II. Located in the heart of the city, the park is a peaceful retreat filled with lush greenery, beautiful pathways, and several monuments honoring Kazakhstan’s war heroes.
A prominent feature is the striking War Memorial, with an impressive statue of soldiers symbolizing strength and unity. Nearby, an eternal flame burns in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives. The park also houses the stunning Ascension Cathedral, an all-wooden Russian Orthodox cathedral that adds both architectural and cultural richness to the area.
28 Panfilov Park is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a quiet place to stroll, relax, or reflect. With its towering trees, flower beds, and historical significance, the park serves as a reminder of bravery and resilience, making it more than just a recreational space. It’s a must-visit in Almaty for anyone interested in history, culture, or simply a peaceful walk...
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