More

    Tourist Attractions in Alma-Ata

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Alma-Ata. Photos and a brief description.

    Almaty
    broken clouds
    76.9 ° F
    76.9 °
    76.9 °
    24 %
    1.2mph
    75 %
    Thu
    74 °
    Fri
    70 °
    Sat
    65 °
    Sun
    70 °
    Mon
    72 °
    About Alma-Ata

    During its existence, Alma-Ata managed to visit a military fortification, was called Faithful and even had the status of the capital of Kazakhstan. Although Astana is now formally the main city of the country, Alma-Ata has retained the right to be called the cultural and economic center of the state.

    Due to its location in the foothills of the Trans–Ili Alatau, the city got the opportunity to acquire the largest alpine sports complex in the world – Medeo. It appeared back in Soviet times, and was later modernized. On the streets of Alma-Ata, you can also easily find evidence of different eras nearby. Fountains play a special role in the urban structure. They are not only decorative objects, but also parts of a complex irrigation system. In particularly dry periods, 125 fountains do not allow green spaces to die.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Alma-Ata

    Medeo

    The world's largest alpine sports complex. It was built in 1972, and in 2010 underwent a major reconstruction. The local skating rink is called the "factory of records". Natural features have a positive effect on the results of skaters, so more than 200 world records have been set in Medeo all the time. In 2011, a cable car was laid from here to the resort of Cimbulak.

    Medeo
    Kok-Tube Mountain

    Kok-Tube Mountain

    In the past, it was called Verigina Mountain. A picturesque view of the city opens from a height of 1130 meters. You can get to the top by car or by cable car. For some time, since 2004, the mountain has been closed to the public. There was a threat of landslide and landslide on residential areas. Extensive work was carried out to prevent a catastrophe, after the restrictions were lifted. There is a monument to "The Beatles" on the Kok-Tube.

    TV tower "Koktobe"

    It is built on the slope of the mountain of the same name. The construction work dragged on for almost 10 years and was completed by 1984, when the tower was fully operational. According to its seismic resistance indicators, it is one of the most reliable in the world. The height is 371.5 meters. Observation decks are organized at the marks of 146 and 252 meters. There are 3 underground floors, which, among other things, can serve as a bomb shelter.

    TV tower
    Monument of Independence of Kazakhstan

    Monument of Independence of Kazakhstan

    The project on behalf of Nazarbayev was handled by the author 's group under the leadership of Sh . Valikhanov. The monument was opened in 1996 on Republic Square. The stele itself has a height of 28 meters. On its top there is a six-meter "Golden Man", under which there is a winged leopard. All this symbolizes the Kazakh statehood and its steadfastness. There are 4 more figures around the base of the stele: children on stallions, as well as embodiments of Earth and Sky.

    Ascension Cathedral

    It was consecrated in 1907, and the construction took less than 4 years. The building turned out to be spacious and bright. Workshops in Moscow and Kiev worked on the details of the interior design. The iconostasis was made by N. Khludov. Probably, all this together saved the cathedral from destruction under Soviet rule: the premises were transferred to a museum. Returned to the ROC after repairs in 1995. It is an example of an earthquake-resistant structure.

    Ascension Cathedral
    The Central Mosque of Alma-Ata

    The Central Mosque of Alma-Ata

    One of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan. Laid down in 1993, built by 1999. A 36-meter dome with a diameter of 20 meters is mounted on the snow-white building. It is decorated with verses from the Koran, painted by Turkish craftsmen. During the repair work, a modern sound amplifying system was added, which is used on holidays. Up to 7 thousand people can pray in the mosque at the same time.

    St. Nicholas Cathedral

    It was founded in 1909, when Alma-Ata was still called Verny. The temple was placed on a high foundation and awarded seven small chapters. In Soviet times, the building housed the Museum of atheism. After the war, parishioners returned to the cathedral without crosses and icons. This temple became the only one operating in the city. A full repair was carried out in the 90s. In 2012, a monument to St. Nicholas was erected nearby.

    St. Nicholas Cathedral
    Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

    Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

    It is among the oldest in the country and in the region as a whole. It was founded in the 30s of the XIX century. Initially, the funds began to gather in Orenburg and went a long way before ending up in Alma-Ata. The wanderings of the collection in different rooms ended in 1985, when they built their own building for the museum. Seven exhibition halls have exhibitions on the history of Kazakhstan and cultural values.

    Abai Opera and Ballet Theater

    Originally it was a music studio, but a year after its foundation in 1934 it received its current status. In 1941, the troupe moved to a new building. It was rebuilt many times in the future, but the classicism style was preserved. The building is an architectural monument and even got on a banknote of 2 thousand tenge.

    Abai Opera and Ballet Theater
    Russian Drama Theater named after Lermontov

    Russian Drama Theater named after Lermontov

    It was created on the basis of the Russian Drama Theater in 1933. Lermontov's name was given to him in 1964. The event was timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the birth of the writer. The theater building has been undergoing major repairs for almost three years. The artists returned to the familiar stage in 2008. Productions are designed for both adults and children. Performances are traditionally staged in Russian.

    Museum of Musical Instruments named after Ykylasa

    Musical instruments of different nations are gathered under one roof. The museum has been operating since 1980, and its collection is constantly being updated. At the moment, the funds number about a thousand copies of musical instruments. The bias is made in the Kazakh culture, but the Russian Uighurs and Dungans are also not deprived of attention. Among other things, dombras belonging to previously famous artists and poets are kept here.

    Museum of Musical Instruments named after Ykylasa
    A. Kasteev Museum of Art

    A. Kasteev Museum of Art

    The foundation was laid at the exhibition dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the formation of the Kazakh SSR. In 1970, it opened as a museum of applied arts, and 6 years later acquired its current status. The building where the collection is located is a monument of culture and history. Since 1983, the museum has been named after Abylkhan Kasteev, an artist who stood at the origins of the national fine art.

    Kazakh State Circus

    Formed in 1970, the troupe consisted mostly of aspiring artists who had passed through the Moscow Variety and Circus School, as well as through local studios. After the collapse of the USSR, many changes took place in the team, it was created almost anew. The circus has had its own building since 1972. Inside there is everything you need for artists, including recreation areas and courtyards for walking animals.

    Alma-Ata Metro

    Alma-Ata Metro

    The only one in Kazakhstan and the second in Central Asia. Opened in 2011. The length of the network is more than 11 km, and the number of stations has now been brought to nine. The Alma-Ata metro is an unprofitable mode of transport for the state. It was built in difficult geological conditions. There are still some risks, so the operating rules are strictly observed.

    Green Bazaar

    Shopping malls in the Medeu district have existed since the middle of the XIX century. By the 40s of the last century, canopies over retail outlets were formed. And in the 70s, the wooden structures were demolished and a large single building was built. The total number of places for trade has become equal to a thousand in the summer. The next stage of expansion occurred in 2017, when a new complex with an area of 20 thousand m2 was opened nearby.

    Green Bazaar

    Fountains of Alma-Ata

    They are not just a decoration of the city: in combination with the irrigation network, they irrigate Alma-Ata and do not allow street plants to die during particularly hot and dry periods. The first fountain was opened in 1948. Now there are 125 of them, some are not single, but are presented in the form of fountain groups. All fountains are launched on May 25 and work until October 25. The water supply schedule is the same for everyone and has not changed for decades.

    Monument to The Beatles

    The opening took place in 2007 on Mount Kok-Tobe. Before taking up the project, sculptor Eduard Ghazaryan applied for permission from Paul McCartney. The singer did not come to the ceremony, but sent a friend. The sculptural composition is not like the monuments that were erected in honor of the Liverpool four before. Bronze John is sitting on a bench with a guitar, and his colleagues are depicted standing.

    Park named after the first President

    Park named after the first President

    The arboretum was established in 2001 on an area of 73 hectares. Here you can find all the elements characteristic of green urban areas: alleys, flower beds, places to relax, boulevards. One of the oaks was planted by President Nazarbayev himself. A multi–stage fountain decorated with numerous details, including zodiac signs, is the main attraction of the park. The area was chosen not only by tourists, but also by citizens.

    Park of Culture and Recreation named after. Gorky

    One of the most popular holiday destinations in the city. It was founded in 1856 in the floodplain of Malaya Almatinka. The territory was planted with seeds of plants peculiar to Central Russia, as the soil features allowed them to germinate. Since 1934, recreation centers have been built on the coast, attractions have appeared. At the present time, there is a need for reconstruction, although dilapidation practically does not affect attendance.

    Park of Culture and Recreation named after. Gorky
    Park named after 28 Panfilov Guards

    Park named after 28 Panfilov Guards

    It was laid out on the site of the cemetery in the 70s of the century before last. The current name was given in honor of the feat of the defenders of Moscow. Panfilov and his colleagues were awarded a sculptural composition. On an area of 18 hectares, you can not only walk, but also find interesting architectural monuments and iconic urban places, like the House of Officers. In the central part of the park stands the Holy Ascension Cathedral.

    Almaty Botanical Garden

    It is spread over an area of more than 103 hectares . It has been in existence since 1932. His status has changed many times. Now there are several research laboratories working on the basis of the garden, studying different types of plants planted here. In the noughties there was a threat of liquidation of the botanical garden. It is located in a prestigious area, so there is a demand for land developers. There are several restoration projects, but the process has not been started yet.

    Almaty Zoo

    Almaty Zoo

    One of the oldest zoological parks in the country has been located on an area of 32 hectares since 1937. Most of the territory is reserved for ponds with waterfowl. The zoo's inhabitants are divided into sectors for the convenience of tourists. The total number of species is about 500. Of these, 77 are listed in the Red Book. Excursions to the "Marine Aquarium" are popular. There are also particularly remarkable animals in the zoo, for example, a pair of white lions.

    Big Almaty Lake

    It has a tectonic origin and is located at an altitude of 2511 meters above sea level. The coastline is about 3 km. The size of the alpine lake varies depending on the time of year. The water level drops reach 20 meters. The water surface changes its color in the palette from greenish to turquoise. Although Bolshoe Almatinskoe is included in the national park, now it belongs to the city.

    Big Almaty Lake
    Tamgaly-Tas

    Tamgaly-Tas

    The tract is located 120 km from Alma-Ata. Its peculiarity is numerous petroglyphs. There are Buddhist and runic writings and drawings of different periods. The territory near the Ili River coast is under state protection, but part of it was transferred to a long-term lease to a private company in 2016. Tamgaly-Tas is also an open–air Buddhist temple.

    Charyn Canyon

    It is located 200 km east of the city. It is part of the national park of the same name. Numerous tourist groups from Alma-Ata travel here. The length of the canyon is 150 km, the height is up to 300 meters. Researchers believe that it is more than 12 million years old. Among the natural features, one can distinguish a relict ash grove and a large number of birds nesting here – about 100 species.

    Charyn Canyon