Ascension Cathedral

An absolute must-see in Almaty! The Ascension Cathedral in Panfilov Park is breathtaking both from the outside and inside. The colorful exterior is beautifully restored and stands out as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Inside, the atmosphere is peaceful and filled with stunning details, icons, and artwork that reflect the rich spiritual heritage of the region. The surrounding park makes the visit even more enjoyable, offering a perfect place to walk and relax. Truly one of the highlights of Almaty – highly recommended! Greetings!

A breathtaking cathedral, a marvel of modern architecture, exudes beauty and grandeur. Its intricate structure, vibrant colors, and picturesque surroundings create an ideal setting for worship. The vast cathedral grounds are surrounded by nature’s splendor, with blooming flowers adorning the surrounding area. On a weekend, the Cathedral square buzzed with activity, a lively scene filled with people. We were fortunate enough to be present at the right moment to receive blessings and be sprinkled with holy water. As we explored the area, we also indulged in some refreshing🍦. Being centrally located we passed it quite a few times and it also looked amazing during the night with all the lights making it shine.

The Ascension Cathedral, also known as the Zenkov Cathedral, is a must-visit landmark in Almaty, Kazakhstan, offering a unique blend of architectural wonder and a charming local experience. A unique and charming part of visiting the cathedral is the tradition of pigeon feeding in the surrounding Panfilov Park, right in front of the cathedral square.

Beautiful Orthodox Cathedral. Gorgeous interior and exterior. Try not to wear shorts or short skirts. They have head covering scarfs available for free on site.

When I went there, I didn’t visit this beautiful mesmerising Cathedral at Day time. Park is very very beautiful as well as Cathedral. I really miss it till now since I visit Almaty. Its location is near to Gogol Street Almaty which is approximately center of the city. A must visit place. ❤️

The most beautiful place in Almaty and one of the highlights of my Central Asia trip. I came here a total of 4 times. The Ascension Cathedral is 100% made of wood and doesn't use any nails. Its 56 meters tall which makes it the second highest wooden church in the world. It also miraculously survived the 1911 earthquake, which for its size is very impressive. The colour use on the outside is absolutely breathtaking and it also has a beautiful interior. There are many icons including a chinese inspired icon which are rare to find in orthodox churches. I was lucky to attend a service and a wedding within the church, the acoustics inside are amazing for singing, its very impressive. The store to buy religious souvenirs & candles is located in a small building on the right side of the cathedrals main entrance and there is a place to drink water in the entrance room on the right side. This is a must see location when visiting Almaty, it doesn't matter if you are Religious or not. I hope to return some day in the future!

I visited Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral) in Almaty during summer with my family. The frescoes inside are beautiful, and the interiors shine with golden tones—candle stands, shrines, and details all appear gold-plated. There are no guides or information boards inside, so it’s better to prepare yourself beforehand to fully appreciate its history and meaning. You would never feel that no nails were used in its construction—the wooden walls look like a normal solid building. From the outside, the colorful exterior is stunning and beautifully restored, making it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Inside, the peaceful atmosphere, icons, and artwork reflect the rich spiritual heritage of the region. Located within Panfilov Park, the setting is perfect for a relaxing walk after your visit. An absolute must-see in Almaty and truly one of the city’s highlights – highly recommended!

The Ascension Cathedral, located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a breathtaking masterpiece of Russian Orthodox architecture. Built entirely of wood without nails, it stands as a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship. The vibrant, colorful exterior and richly adorned interiors create a sense of awe and reverence. Surrounded by the serene Panfilov Park, the cathedral offers a peaceful retreat in the city’s heart. Visitors are captivated by its historical significance, spiritual ambiance, and intricate design. Whether you're drawn by faith, history, or architecture, The Ascension Cathedral is a must-visit gem that beautifully blends culture, spirituality, and artistic brilliance in one sacred space.