Panfilov Heroes Memorial Park, Almaty (must see)

The urban park situated in east-central Almaty around the Ascension Cathedral is known as the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. It was named in honor of the Panfilov heroes, a group of 28 soldiers from an infantry unit who lost their lives while defending Moscow against the German invasion during the Second World War. The group was named after Ivan Panfilov, the general who commanded the 316th Division. The park features a giant black monument depicting soldiers from all 15 Soviet republics and an eternal flame commemorating those who died in World War II. Finding this commemorative area is quite straightforward. Simply walk along the main paved promenade to the eastern side of the park, where you will find the Glory Monument and Eternal Flame Complex spread across a large stone plaza.

The park was established in the 1870s on the site of a village cemetery that was destroyed in 1921. It had several different names before being renamed in 1942 in honor of the Panfilov soldiers. The park contains several historical buildings dating back to the early and mid-20th century, including the Ascension Cathedral, the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, and the House of Officers. To see the cathedral, head directly to the geographical center of the park grounds, where the Ascension Cathedral rises above the trees with its brightly painted yellow timber walls. Afterward, stroll toward the quiet northeastern boundary of the park. Behold the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, housed inside an ornate traditional wooden chalet-style building near the park’s edge.

Today, the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Almaty residents often lay flowers and wreaths at the base of the monument to honor those who died in World War II, especially during Victory Day commemorations.