Ascension Cathedral, Almaty (must see)

The Ascension Cathedral is a wooden Russian Orthodox church situated in Panfilov Park, Almaty. Completed in 1907, the building stands 56 meters high and is believed to be the second-tallest wooden structure in the world. Interestingly, the cathedral was constructed entirely without nails.

Before going inside, stand in the open park plaza directly in front of the main western entrance to appreciate the intricately carved, symmetrical wooden porch and tower. This grand entryway reveals the brilliant Imperial Russian Revival woodwork and features layered timber frames built using flexible joints of native Tian Shan spruce, which allow the entire façade to shift naturally during earthquakes.

In the late 19th century, the first bishops of the Turkistan Eparchy recognized the need for a Russian Orthodox church in Almaty. On September 26, 1903, Paisii, bishop of Turkestan and Tashkent, sanctified the church’s foundation, and construction took place between 1904 and 1907.

The belfry was added in 1906 and even housed the first radio transmitters in Almaty. The cathedral managed to survive the 1911 earthquake with minimal damage, a feat that some attributed to divine intervention. There are also rumors that the decision to avoid using nails was influenced by their role in the crucifixion of Jesus.

The interior of the cathedral was constructed in art workshops in Moscow and Kyiv. Once you pass through the entrance doors, walk to the middle of the spacious central nave and look up to view the massive dome and its suspended giant chandeliers. Here, the towering ceiling displays vibrant historic frescoes of biblical scenes designed by the renowned local artist Nikolai Khludov.

From the center of the hall, glance directly ahead toward the front of the sanctuary to see the golden altar and glittering iconostasis screen. This multi-tiered partition wall is adorned with detailed holy icons, intricate gold-leaf decoration, and embedded precious stones that catch the light of burning candles.