The Almaty Historical and Architectural Reserve

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The Almaty Historical and Architectural Reserve

The Almaty Historical and Architectural Reserve is a collection of buildings dating primarily from the late 19th to early 20th century, located within the square formed by Tole Bi, Zenkov, Gogol, and Kunaev streets. This area marks the historic center of Almaty, formerly known as Verny.

Begin your journey through the old streets of the city on Tole Bi Street, where building No. 31, on the left, once housed the Verny Women’s Gymnasium. Designed by A. Zenkov in 1904, the building was constructed using beams from Tian Shan spruce trees. The architectural style is eclectic classicism, and today, it hosts the Art and Graphics Faculty of the Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University.

Verny city women gymnasium, Almaty
Verny city women gymnasium, Almaty

Continue up the street, leaving behind the former women’s gymnasium. Just 100 meters ahead, you’ll find the residence of the director of the Verny Men’s Gymnasium. This building was part of a complex of educational facilities, constructed in either 1902 or 1904. In the 1920s and 1930s, the famous military doctor and scientist S. Zh. Asfendiyarov lived here. A memorial plaque honors his contributions, and today, the building is home to the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey.

Take note of the next building on this side of the street, standing at the intersection with Dostyk Avenue. Dating from the early 19th century, this structure was a collaboration between two legendary Verny architects, A. Zenkov and P. Gurde. The design incorporates stucco work, risalites, a pediment, and semicircular windows. Currently, it houses the S. Begalin Republican State Children’s Library.

S. Begalin Republican State Children's Library.
S. Begalin Republican State Children’s Library.

After passing the library, turn left onto Dostyk Avenue and walk up to the traffic light at Kazybek Bi Street, about 200 meters away. To the left of the traffic light, you’ll notice a stunning building with white columns, exuding the charm of the old city. This is the second Verny Men’s Gymnasium. The first building, constructed in 1882, was destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1887. Both buildings were designed by P. Gurde, who drew on Russian neoclassical motifs. Today, students from one of the branches of the Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University study within its historic walls.

Right across the street from this architectural gem, you’ll find Panfilov Park, named after the 28 Guardsmen-Panfilov Heroes. This park was first established in 1872 as the City Garden. As you enter the park and walk about 150 meters along the path, you’ll come across the majestic Ascension Cathedral—a masterpiece of wooden architecture in Almaty. Known for its intricate details, every element of the cathedral’s design inspires awe.

Leaving behind this spiritual landmark, proceed through the Alley of Heads of State, leading you to the Memorial of Glory. Erected after the mid-20th century, this memorial stands as an important historical site.

Folk Musical Instruments Museum
Folk Musical Instruments Museum

A short walk from the Memorial of Glory will take you to Zenkov Street. Just as you exit the park, on your left, you’ll find the Ykhlas Dukenuly Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, a building constructed in 1908. Previously, it housed the residence of the elder Seidalin and later, the Officers’ Club. The museum is one of the most beautiful structures in the city, resembling a house from an old fairy tale.

The Officers’ House, Almaty
The Officers’ House, Almaty

Next door is the Military-Historical Museum of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, designed by Y.G. Ratushny in 1978. Before it became a museum, the building served as the House of Officers, also known as the Army House.

Continuing your walk, head uphill on Zenkov Street to Gogol Street, cross the road, and turn right. Walk past the business center and stop at building No. 37. Here, you’ll be transported 130 years into the past to the time when this monument of republican historical and cultural significance was erected. Originally, it was the Verny City Real School, named after Kolpakovsky. Many prominent figures graduated from this institution, and today, the building houses “Kazrestavratsiya.”

Verny City Real School named after Kolpakovsky
Verny City Real School named after Kolpakovsky

Gather your energy for the final stretch. Turn 90° to the left and walk along Gogol Street for about 300 meters until you reach a building with a KFC sign. This new structure, built on the site of the former Verny City Women’s School in the 2010s, replaced the historic school, which was removed from the list of architectural monuments. Interestingly, the women’s school, established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was the first women’s educational institution in Semirechye.

This marks the end of our tour through the unique Almaty Historical and Architectural Reserve. To extend your experience and continue enjoying the atmosphere of the old city, we recommend a leisurely stroll through Panfilov Park’s alleys, as it is also part of the city’s reserve.

P.S. In total, you’ll walk approximately 2 kilometers. The entire tour, including the walk, photographs, and unforgettable impressions, will take about an hour.

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