Almaty Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral)

Almaty, Kazakhstan

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The Almaty Cathedral, also known as the Zenkov Cathedral or Ascension Cathedral, is one of the most famous landmarks in Almaty.

Built between 1904 and 1907 in Panfilov Park, it is a striking Russian Orthodox cathedral made almost entirely of wood and is renowned for being constructed with minimal use of metal nails. Standing about 56 meters tall, the cathedral is considered one of the tallest wooden churches in the world. It is especially famous for surviving the powerful 1911 earthquake that destroyed many other buildings in the city, thanks to its innovative earthquake-resistant design.

With its colorful façade, ornate domes, and richly decorated interior, the Zenkov Cathedral is both an active place of worship and a major cultural attraction. It is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of wooden architecture in Kazakhstan and remains a symbol of Almaty’s history and heritage.