Ascension Cathedral
Ascension Cathedral
4.5
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- Frances BYorkshire, United Kingdom2,564 contributionsSimply beautifulThe Ascension Cathedral is magnified. It is one of the highest wooden buildings and is the highest wooden Orthodox church in the world. It stands 46m high. It is beautiful both in design and colour. It stands in a wonderful park which has a lovely family vibe. There are carriage rides, games and wildlife within the park. Entry is allowed into the church but appropriate clothing is stipulated and women also covering their hair with a head scarf. Head scarves are provided at the door of the church. The interior is just as impressive. Photographs are allowed and there are opportunities to buy candles to light from the church shop next door. I highly recommend visiting this church If are visiting on the hour you may be fortunate in hearing the church bells chiming.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 25, 2023
- MissHK2009Hong Kong, China5,816 contributionsAn Elegant Orthodox ChurchThis is a very elegant and beautiful Orthodox Church next to a park, 15 from the nearest metro station on foot. The area is tranquil that worths a stroll around. It's near to the green market so one can visit all in one go.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 28, 2023
- BaarishMumbai, India584 contributionsBeautiful church in the city CenterThis is a very colourful church surrounded by parks on three sides. The interior is very beautiful. Ladies need to cover their head by the scarves provided at the entrance if a service is in progress. A children’s play area on the road facing side and people feeding pigeons increases the buzz around this placeVisited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 23, 2024
- EdwardSanta Rosa, California3,168 contributionsMagnificent Russian Orthodox CathedralAlthough not the oldest Orthodox cathedral in Almaty, Ascension Cathedral is the most famous, and justifiably. Completed shortly after 1900, it is the largest historic cathedral in the city, made of wood,and extremely ornate. It is located in the park containing the monuments to General Panfilov and his 28 Guardsman, sometimes called Panfilov Park, in central Almaty. It is magnificent inside and out and contains numerous icons and many small relics. it is generally open during the day and free to visit. Although people did not always comply, men should wear long trousers and shirts covering their shoulders, and women should also cover their legs, shoulders, and wear a headscarf.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 23, 2024
- kenkehSubang Jaya, Malaysia4,380 contributionsRussian architecture cathedralWe parked our rented car nearby here , our rental car guy helped us to pay parking online . It was a busy park full of people , We have outside view of the Cathedral as it was closed for visiting inside . From here we walked to the Cathedral, green bazaar , tsum shopping center and had dinner all within nearby .Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 13, 2024
- Toni TNashville, Tennessee1,756 contributionsHow Did They Build This Wooden Cathedral Without a Single Nail???How did they build this beautiful, intricate structure without a single nail? Explore the Ascension Cathedral,is often called Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, This Russian Orthodox cathedral is 56 metres tall and was completed in 1907 Some claim that it is the second tallest wooden church in the world, second only to Săpânța-Peri Monastery church in Săpânța, Romania at 78 metres. Appreciate the interior with a respectful walk through.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 28, 2024
- Bozeman-DublinTrim, Ireland11,398 contributionsAbsolutely Beautiful ChurchA stunning church right in the heart of Almaty in the middle of a charming park. It is without doubt one of our absolute highlights from our time in Almaty. The park comes alive in the evenings when temperatures cone down a bit and there will be lots of tourists as well as local families enjoying the greenery. The Ascension Church is the centrepiece of the park with a nice plaza out front. It's stunning colours make it an arresting sight. Inside is lovely too with beautiful icons and statuary. We couldn't get enough of this beautiful place.Visited August 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 1, 2024
- WPLandryFairfax, Virginia590 contributionsBeautiful churchThis is a beautiful old church that is well-maintained. You can see how much effort goes into keeping it in good condition. Visitors are allowed to come in and marvel at the architecture, which is really nice. Just be mindful to dress appropriately. It is an Orthodox Cathedral.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 8, 2024
- TAMAN1951Liberty Lake, Washington8,650 contributionsMagnificentAbsolutely beautiful church constructed of wood without the use of nails. Over a hundred years old and still actively used. Wuite ornate. Well worth the time to visit as a destination.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Puhup_Verma
New Delhi, India440 contributions
Jan 2023
A beautiful cathedral indeed. We were lucky to visit just a few days before Orthodox Christmas in January , and the snow-clad ambience made everything look even better. They had a huge Christmas tree right outside the church as well.
Important Tip : Despite the fact that we were here very early in the morning , there was no space for our driver / guide to park his car near the church itself. We had to walk for some distance , which included a tiny stretch on the main road itself. This was a bit tricky , considering that there was snow all around , and a continuous onslaught of the city's trolleybuses. Thus , be careful of the traffic and wear footwear which would be safe to walk on snow.
Important Tip : Despite the fact that we were here very early in the morning , there was no space for our driver / guide to park his car near the church itself. We had to walk for some distance , which included a tiny stretch on the main road itself. This was a bit tricky , considering that there was snow all around , and a continuous onslaught of the city's trolleybuses. Thus , be careful of the traffic and wear footwear which would be safe to walk on snow.
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gill H
Harrow, UK175 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Beautiful example of a Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Almaty. It is made entirely from wood with no nails. Beautiful inside and out. During much of the soviet occupation it was used as a granary. Well worth a visit inside - myself and my mother in law both found it breathtakingly beautiful.
Written October 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arindam G
Dubai, United Arab Emirates221 contributions
Jun 2023
We visited the Ascension or Zenkov cathedral on a summer day which is the biggest attraction in the Panfilov Park. The exterior of the Russian Orthodox cathedral, made out of wood (without nails) was equally impressive as it's ornate interiors with gorgeous icons and paintings depicting various religious stories. A must visit when coming to Almaty.
Written July 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VinnieLondon
London, UK12,781 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Located in a central Almaty park the cathedral is a beautiful colourful wooden structure (apparently one of the highest wooden structures in the world and constructed without the use of nails) built 1903-1907. You can access the cathedral to see the ornate interior, but me mindful/respectful that his is a working cathedral with services throughout the day. Great location from which to access many of the other landmarks in central Almaty. Must see landmark for any Almaty visit.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PhilipLeic
Leicester, UK1,654 contributions
Sep 2022
One of the places to visit in the Panfilov park area of Almaty. Zenkov cathedral is a wooden Orthodox Russian church and at 56m we were told is one of the tallest wooded buildings in the world, completed in 1907. It is painted and in eclecticism style. We were able to visit inside and it has a peaceful atmosphere in typically orthodox style.
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KatielouAustralia
Hobart, Australia1,910 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
This beautiful five-domed, three-aisled cathedral was built entirely from wood in the early 1900s. When the country was under Soviet rule it was feared that this building would be ruined but luckily it survived. Stunning gold everywhere inside and the unique exterior is also a delight.
Written June 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Legate
United Kingdom21,891 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
The Ascension Cathedral is a brightly coloured and distinctive Russian Orthodox cathedral and is located in Panfilov Park in Central Almaty. It is also known as Zenkov Cathedral and was completed in 1907, the cathedral is made out of wood but without the use if nails. We visited inside which was incredibly ornate and of typical Russian Orthodox style. The cathedral was getting a fair bit of interest when we visited, it is definately worth exploring when in Almaty.
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand4,445 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
The Ascension Cathedral is truly stunning, inside and out. The exterior architecture is fabulous and the extravagent interior is adorned with magnificent paintings, frescoes, and various other artwork. The structure was completed in 1907 and is built entirely of wood, without the use of any nails! It's reputed to be the second tallest wooden church in the world, standing at 56 meters in height. The church is very welcoming and open throughout the day. As the church sits in the center of Panfilov Park and is surrounded by large open spaces, it is a meeting place for families on outings, teenagers playing volleyball and football, and kids playing. Be sure to visit the church in the evening as well, as it is brilliantly lighted at night.
Written October 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bozeman-Dublin
Trim, Ireland11,398 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
A stunning church right in the heart of Almaty in the middle of a charming park. It is without doubt one of our absolute highlights from our time in Almaty.
The park comes alive in the evenings when temperatures cone down a bit and there will be lots of tourists as well as local families enjoying the greenery. The Ascension Church is the centrepiece of the park with a nice plaza out front. It's stunning colours make it an arresting sight.
Inside is lovely too with beautiful icons and statuary. We couldn't get enough of this beautiful place.
The park comes alive in the evenings when temperatures cone down a bit and there will be lots of tourists as well as local families enjoying the greenery. The Ascension Church is the centrepiece of the park with a nice plaza out front. It's stunning colours make it an arresting sight.
Inside is lovely too with beautiful icons and statuary. We couldn't get enough of this beautiful place.
Written September 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,530 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Ascension Cathedral, also called Zenkov Cathedral is located in the very center of Almaty - in the center of Panfilov Park.
It's a Russian Orthodox Baroque style Church dating back to 1907 when it was consecrated. They claim it's the second largest wooden Church worldwide. Besides that, it's famous for being built without a single nail, but only adjoining wooden beams.
The facade is very ornate in distinctive vivid colors.
Do not skip entering it - it's free and you'll be awarded with amazing frescoes and artwork.
At some hours it is possible to climb the bell tower for great views and you also have the opportunity to chime the bells. During our visit it was at 4 PM, but we hadn't time to come back.
It's a Russian Orthodox Baroque style Church dating back to 1907 when it was consecrated. They claim it's the second largest wooden Church worldwide. Besides that, it's famous for being built without a single nail, but only adjoining wooden beams.
The facade is very ornate in distinctive vivid colors.
Do not skip entering it - it's free and you'll be awarded with amazing frescoes and artwork.
At some hours it is possible to climb the bell tower for great views and you also have the opportunity to chime the bells. During our visit it was at 4 PM, but we hadn't time to come back.
Written October 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Я с Вами совершенно согласна.Мой муж как то позвал там венчаться.Не хочу.Именно по этой проблеме. Хочу найти спокойный тихий храм в селе ,где нет таксы за это таинство.
Written August 15, 2015
Alexandr S
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Доброго дня. Вы пишете о том, что Венчание платно и будто бы "они на этом бизнес делают". Позвольте задать встречный вопрос. Вы хотите венчаться? Верно же? Раз так, значит Вы член Церкви. Если это так, - то В Ваши обязанности в том числе входит и необходимость содержать храмы. Вы хотите бесплатно и хотите, чтобы горел свет, пел хор и в храме было чисто и красиво. Некоторые хотят еще цветы. Замечательно. Но позвольте, кто все это должен обеспечить? То есть кто-то для Вас должен заранее создать условия, а Вы потом придете и бесплатно обвенчаетесь. Пусть так. Для интереса посчитаем: Венчание в Кафедральном соборе оплачивается жертвой в 30 тыс.тенге (~80$). При этом необходимы. Священник, дьякон, хор - квартет, 4 человека, звонарь, уборщицы, свет в храме, - дежурный электрик, который работает и получает зарплату. Скажите, большой ли это бизнес? К тому же в соборе проводится масштабная реставрация, - надеюсь, что Вы в ней участвовали.
Однако если Вы неимущие, Вас повенчают и бесплатно. Правда без хора. Хор бесплатно петь не станет. Люди учились много лет от школы для консерватории, - они ценят свою труд и квалификацию.
Written May 20, 2019
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