The Ascension Cathedral, Almaty

The Ascension Cathedral, one of the two main cathedrals of the Almaty and Astana Diocese, belonging to the Russian Orthodox Church, is situated within the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. Once known as the Turkestan Cathedral, it stands today as a monument to the unique craftsmanship of wooden architecture and an example of earthquake-resistant construction, making it one of Almaty’s most intriguing landmarks.

The Ascension Cathedral is among the tallest wooden buildings in the world, with its bell tower reaching a height of 54 meters, and it has the capacity to hold up to 2,000 people. The story of its construction began in the 1870s, although back then, it was merely the subject of correspondence between bishops of the Turkestan Diocese discussing the need for an Orthodox church in the region.

Initially, the church was not intended to be made of wood. This decision was made after the devastating earthquake of 1887, which destroyed most stone buildings but, surprisingly, left the wooden structures intact. The primary building material used for the church was the rare and durable Tian Shan spruce. 

The original design of the cathedral was refined by Andrei Pavlovich Zenkov, who oversaw its construction. Zenkov introduced significant practical innovations to ensure the building’s seismic stability, a crucial feature given the region’s earthquake-prone nature.

It wasn’t until 1903 that construction commenced, following the blessing of the foundation. The process took just over three years, and the cathedral was completed in 1907. The interior decorations were crafted in the art studios of Kyiv and Moscow, with the lead engineer being Andrei Zenkov, while the design was the work of architect Konstantin Borisoglebsky.

The cathedral impresses with its beauty not only from the outside but also with its opulent interior. Inside, you will find spacious, luxurious halls, magnificent chandeliers, and awe-inspiring icons. One of the most notable features is the iconostasis, crafted by the artist N. Khludov, which deserves special attention for its exquisite craftsmanship and artistic significance.

Until 1927, the cathedral functioned as a place of worship. However, during the Soviet era, religious services were banned, as was the case with many other Orthodox structures at the time. In 1929, the building became home to the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan. Over the years, various public organizations occupied the cathedral, and its bell tower was even used to house the antenna for Kazakhstan’s first radio station. During Soviet rule, there was an attempt to remove the crosses from the building, but after a tragic accident in which a worker fell to his death while trying to take down a cross, the decision was made to leave them intact. Today, the crosses continue to adorn the cathedral, just as they did a century ago.

In 1976, the first restoration works were carried out. In 1995, the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan returned the cathedral to the Russian Orthodox Church, and that same year, a second round of restoration was completed, allowing religious services to resume. In 2017, the Ascension Cathedral underwent further restoration, during which its frescoes were meticulously restored to their original splendor.

The cathedral is constructed from blue Tian Shan spruce, with its sections connected by metal bolts. The Ascension Cathedral is beautiful both inside and out, crowned with five domes. Its interior is adorned with intricate paintings, and much of its early 20th-century décor, including the iconostasis and wall frescoes, remains intact to this day.

The cathedral was built with such strength that it survived the catastrophic earthquake of 1911. While many stone buildings in the city were destroyed and bells fell from their towers, the Ascension Cathedral stood firm. The only visible trace of the earthquake is a slight tilt in one of the crosses, a feature that can still be observed when looking up at the majestic 56-meter-high structure.

The Ascension Cathedral is recognized as a monument of architecture and history of national significance and is protected by the state. This extraordinary building is listed among the world’s top ten wooden architectural marvels. Despite its venerable age, the cathedral remains fully functional, with daily services held within its walls. Its grand appearance symbolizes the enduring strength of faith, unshaken by the passage of time.

How to Get There

The Ascension Cathedral is accessible via the metro, with the nearest station being Zhibek Zholy on the “A” line. From there, it’s a short walk along Gogol Street towards the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, where the cathedral is located.