The 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park is a large green space in central Almaty that doubles as a war memorial. It honours 28 soldiers who fought to defend Moscow in 1941. The park holds the Eternal Flame and several Soviet-era monuments, along with the Zenkov Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church built in 1907 almost entirely from wood. Shaded paths, benches and open lawns make it a good place for a slow walk, with room for children to play.
Why the park is named after 28 soldiers
The park is named for the Panfilov Division, 28 soldiers of the 316th Rifle Division who fought German forces near Moscow in 1941. Their stand held the enemy back and gave the defenders of the capital more time to prepare.
The division was made up mostly of Kazakh and Kyrgyz soldiers. The park has been renamed several times during the history of Almaty before the current name was settled.
The Eternal Flame and the memorials
The Memorial of Glory was built for the 30th anniversary of victory in the Second World War. An Eternal Flame burns in front of a large monument to soldiers from the 15 Soviet republics. A statue of General Panfilov with his soldiers stands nearby.
A memorial alley holds 28 granite monuments inscribed with the names of the Panfilov Heroes. Schoolchildren on the last day of the school year and newlyweds often come to the flame to pay their respects.
Zenkov Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Holy Ascension was designed by architect Andrei Zenkov and completed in 1907. Wood was the main building material in Almaty at the time, because the city is prone to earthquakes. The cathedral was built with an earthquake-resistant approach and has come through seismic activity in good condition. It is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world.
The interior has frescoes, stained glass windows and gilded decoration. The roof is flat apart from the central dome. A small shop beside the church sells icons and candles. Plan your visit around the times when the interior is open. The cathedral is part of the Almaty Historical and Architectural Reserve, which includes several nineteenth and early twentieth century buildings nearby.
What to do in the park
Families come for the open lawns, picnic areas and the barbecue grills. Children can ride small rental cars along the paths, and pigeons gather around the cathedral square. Inline skaters and cyclists use the wide walkways.
The Museum of Folk Musical Instruments is at the far end of the park. A Military History Museum is also in the park, and it adds context to the memorials.
Nearby
The Green Bazaar is close to the park, where you can buy local food and browse stalls. Kok-Tobe Hill, with its cable car and views over the city, is a short trip away. First President's Park is another green space in the city that is worth a visit.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee?
Entrance to the park is free. Some rides and stalls inside may take cash only, so carry some money.
Can you go inside Zenkov Cathedral?
Yes, if you time the visit right. Inside you will find frescoes, stained glass and gilded decoration, and a small shop sells icons and candles.
Is there a dress code at the cathedral?
Dress conservatively when you visit. Head scarves are provided at the cathedral.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and the parking lot are both wheelchair accessible.
