🇰🇿 The Only Surviving Historic Site After the Almaty Earthquake🕍

The Ascension Cathedral (Вознесенский собор) is located in the heart of Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan 🇰🇿. Built in 1907, it is the oldest and largest church in Almaty and the second-tallest wooden structure still standing in the world. 🌍🌳 In 1911, Almaty was struck by a devastating 8.4-magnitude earthquake 🌋 that destroyed most of the city’s buildings. However, the Ascension Cathedral miraculously survived and remains the only relatively intact structure from the Tsarist Russian era in Almaty. 🏰💪 As the most important Orthodox church ⛪ in Almaty, the cathedral houses exquisitely ornate iconography 🖼️ and altar paintings. The style of these paintings reflects typical Russian iconography, deeply rooted in Byzantine medieval art, while also incorporating elements of Renaissance Catholic iconography, creating a unique fusion of styles. 🎨🌈 During my visit, I happened to attend a mass. The church was filled with Russian Orthodox worshippers 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, and the harmonious blend of the choir’s hymns 🎶 and the archbishop’s prayers 🙏 created an incredibly sacred and unforgettable atmosphere. 🌟 #Globetrotting 🌍 #CulturalSites 🏛️ #WorldHistory 📜 #Churches ⛪ #Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 #Almaty 🏙️ #OrthodoxChurch ✝️ #HistoricArchitecture 🏰 #MyTravelDiary 📔 #CentralAsiaTravel 🧳