Sights of Almaty - the southern capital of Kazakhstan. What to show a guest in Almaty? What is interesting in Almaty

international Airport Almaty – largest airport in Kazakhstan, ranking first in the country in international freight and passenger transportation.

The airport began operating in 1935. In 2012, Almaty airport was recognized best airport in the CIS.

The airport has two asphalt concrete runways at 4,400 meters and 4,500 meters. The width of the lanes is 60 meters. The strips, equipped with modern aeronautical equipment, are capable of receiving all types of vessels without restrictions. The airport serves such airlines as Orenburg Airlines, State Customs Committee Russia, S7 Airlines, Transaero, etc.

In 2012, the airport's passenger traffic exceeded 4 million people.

The airport is connected to the city center by road, so buses and taxis often go to it.

Coordinates: 43.34666900,77.01139200

Cable car

A unique cable car connects the center of Almaty and Mount Kak-Tyube, the starting point is the station on Dostyk Avenue, top station located in Kok-Tobe Park on the mountainside.

The time to climb the mountain is about 6 minutes, the length of the road is 1727 meters. The height of the cable car above the ground in some areas reaches 80 meters, and the speed of movement is 6.2 meters per second. The facility was put into operation on November 4, 1967.

Today, after reconstruction, the cable car meets international safety and quality standards.

As a passenger on the cable car, you can observe the life of the city from above - high-rise buildings, private houses, streets, gardens. From here you can enjoy an amazing panorama of the entire city and the snow-capped Alatau ridge.

Coordinates: 43.23157200,76.97533900

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Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon - unique natural monument, located in Kazakhstan, approximately two hundred kilometers east of the city of Almaty. The canyon is part of the Charyn national park and is very popular among tourists.

Charyn Canyon is a very impressive place. Having a length of more than 150 kilometers, the depth of the canyon in some places reaches 300 meters. The canyon is more than twelve million years old. This is a truly ancient and venerable place, where real relic flora is still preserved. In particular, here you can find a unique ash grove that survived the Ice Age and is now officially recognized as a natural monument.

In addition, the Charyn Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan, like a magnet attracting travelers and eco-tourists. The landscape here is very variable, which gives rise to enormous biological diversity. More than a hundred species of birds alone nest here, and the number of plants reaches one and a half thousand species. Charyn Canyon is real paradise for fans hiking and all wildlife lovers.

Coordinates: 43.37910100,79.12319200

The Palace of the Republic of Almaty previously bore the name of the Palace named after V.I. Lenin and is currently one of the most important and largest concert halls in the city.

The palace was founded in 1970 at the intersection of Dostyk and Abay avenues. The palace's auditorium seats three thousand people. The main activity is the organization of festive events, rental services of halls, supplies and equipment for special events.

The Palace of Culture provides the opportunity to host world-class concerts, conferences and congresses.

The building is located in a favorable location - it is surrounded by the Arman cinema (on the right), the Kazakhstan hotel (on the left) and the cable car station.

Coordinates: 43.24323300,76.95877400

TV tower

The Almaty Television and Radio Broadcasting Tower (Koktobe TV Tower) is located southeast of the center of Almaty, on the slope of Mount Kok-Tyube. The Koktobe TV tower is included in the list of the most earthquake-resistant - the tower's seismic resistance is 10 points, and the tallest - the tower's height is 371.5 meters - structures in the world.

It was built in 1975-1983 according to the design of architects Terziev, Savchenko and Akimov. At the base of the tower there is a reinforced concrete foundation from a three-story basement, then there is the tower trunk, the diameter of which reaches 18.5 meters at the base, 13 and 9 meters in the areas of technical support services and observation platforms, which are located at an altitude of 146 and 252 meters. At the top there is an antenna 124 meters high.

The TV tower was put into operation on June 1, 1984. There is a bomb shelter in the underground part.

Coordinates: 43.26395600,76.93345400

Lake Issyk

In this distant past, a huge mountain collapse occurred, which created a natural dam about 300 meters high. Initially, the green-blue water of Lake Issyk filled the resulting voids to a length of 1850 meters, a width of 500 meters, and a depth of 50-79.

In the middle of the 20th century, the first tourist center was opened on the shore of the lake, and another 20 years later tourists could visit the park of Lake Issyk with a hotel and restaurant. There was a bus station, so residents of many local cities and visitors to the city vacationed on the shores of this lake every summer. It was so popular that not a single postcard or tourist brochure was complete without its image.

However, this paradise for tourists ceased to exist after a mudflow on July 7, 1963 destroyed the natural dam and devastated the reservoir. Only by the beginning of the 90s was the broken dam restored. Now the volume of the lake has been restored by more than half.

Coordinates: 43.25305600,77.48472200

Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is located at an altitude of 2510 m in the gorge of the Bolshaya Almatinka River, 28 km south of the city of Almaty. It lies in a depression that is surrounded mountain peaks. The lake appeared as a result of strong earthquakes. Depending on the seasons, it changes its colors - from light green to blue. The length of the lake is 1.6 km, the width is almost 1 km, and the depth is 40 m. It is fed preferably by glacial water.

Big Almaty Lake is one of the parts of the Ile-Alatau National Park. The distance from the city to the lake is 24 km. Climbing into the gorge is very risky due to the danger of mudflows. The Big Almaty Gorge is a local attraction that attracts the attention of tourists.

The water intake structure of the Almaty cascade hydroelectric power station is located on the lake. Climbing up from the lake mountain road, you can get to a unique cosmological station belonging to the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Coordinates: 43.05055600,76.98500000

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Ili River

Or is this one of largest rivers located in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. It originates at an altitude of 3540 meters in the Tien Shan in China. Its source is located at the confluence of the Tekes and Kunges rivers. The length of the Ili is 1439 km, of which 815 km flows on the territory of Kazakhstan.

The river flows into western part Lake Balkhash and greatly desalinizes it. At its confluence, it forms a vast delta with permanent branches: Topar and Zideli, as well as many backwaters and small lakes. Ancient riverbeds run along right side from the modern river, the largest of them is Zhanatas.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the river was a fairly busy route from western China. In 1729, a battle between the Dzungars and Kazakhs took place here. Today it is very popular among tourism lovers, especially rafting to Balkhash. On one of the banks of the Ili there is the Singing Dune - the famous sand mountain, and not far from it - the National natural Park Altyn-Emel, where the famous Przewalski's horse is bred in our time.

Coordinates: 45.40242800,74.15838900

The most popular attractions in Almaty with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Almaty on our website.

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More sights of Almaty

Almaty- the former capital and a city that has not lost its charm, no matter what. For this reason, it still continues to be cultural and historical center countries where many interesting events took place at different times.

Sights of Almaty for tourists with names and photos

The “southern capital” of Kazakhstan, whose history began 2 thousand years ago, is located at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Once upon a time a famous Silk Road, connecting and . At that time the settlement flourished, but XIII century Almaty fell into decline due to the raids of Genghis Khan.

Almaty received new opportunities in XIV century when soldiers from Russian Empire. It was renamed Verny, and when Soviet power reached this region, the city was returned to its historical name. During the same period, the city became the capital and remained so until 1997. Since then, many historical and cultural attractions have been preserved here, but the natural monuments are even more beautiful and picturesque.

Natural attractions

No matter how advanced and bright Almaty is with its luminous skyscrapers, wide avenues, golf clubs, chic restaurants and other signs of a metropolis, its main asset remains picturesque nature. It’s not for nothing that Almaty is called the city of apple orchards and a place hidden between charming mountains.

The main natural attraction of Almaty is mountain region Medeo– a place where about 120 different records were set. In addition to the incredibly beautiful landscapes that this mountain tract has, travelers are attracted by the pleasant climate, as well as the opportunity to go ice skating in a unique place.

Located in Medeo sports complex with a high-altitude skating rink 1700 meters above sea level. Its construction began in Soviet time, but after the collapse of the USSR, it was in decline for a long time. In 2009, the complex began to be actively reconstructed, and now it is accessible all year round. The skating rink is of a grandiose size, with an area of ​​10.5 thousand square meters. m., is a place where competitions are held and new records are set.

IN winter time also available in Almaty ski resorts :

• – a slope located just 15 minutes from the city;
• – ski park in the Talgar Mountains with a large selection of trails;
• – a resort located just 17 km from Almaty.

In the south-eastern part of Almaty there is another famous mountain - Kok-Tobe– a slope on which several attractions are located. From afar you can see the TV tower and Kok-Tobe Park, which can be reached by cable car. The cozy park has equipped walking areas, souvenir shops and observation decks, from where Almaty and its main attractions are visible “in full view”.

There are a number of entertainment options for tourists in the park:

• rope park;
• playgrounds;

• downhill;
• Ferris wheel.

Those tourists who believe in monuments that fulfill wishes can wish for something fountain "Apple"- symbol of Almaty.

About 200 km from Almaty there is a natural site that is really worthy of attention - Charyn Canyon – unique miracle nature, not inferior in its beauty to the Grand Canyon. The "Martian" landscape, especially tourist site park - Valley of Castles– impresses with the most unusual forms of ancient sedimentary rocks. Over millions of years, they were carved by the World Ocean, and then the Charyn River and the wind completed their work.

Here, along a two-kilometer route, there are sandy layers of red and orange color, in which the bones of very ancient animals are frozen, as well as a variety of terrain - slopes, arches, hills and plumbs. The canyon road ends at Ash Grove– in a place where relict trees grow that managed to survive the Ice Age. You can stay overnight nearby so that in the morning, standing on the top, you can meet the alien dawn. Despite the remoteness, this site is worth a visit if you find yourself in Almaty.

City architecture

Almaty has a surprisingly harmonious combination of Soviet-era buildings, modern glass skyscrapers and luxurious religious buildings. In addition to the TV tower, which can be seen from any point, among the religious buildings of Almaty it is worth highlighting the main concert hall – Palace of the Republic– a building founded in 1970 at the intersection of two avenues, Abay and Dostyk. The capacity of this grandiose structure is 3 thousand people. It constantly hosts exhibitions, concerts of world performers, as well as important conferences.

Near the Palace of the Republic there are two famous buildings of Almaty - Kazakhstan hotel and Arman cinema. The hotel can safely be called business card not only the city, but also the country, since the high-rise 102-meter building from the Soviet period is a symbol of the republic. Also, interesting buildings of the Soviet period can be seen on Revolution Square or on Arbat Street, whose real name is “ Zhibek-Zholy"(Silk Road).

There are several religious buildings in Almaty. The main object is Central Mosque- a snow-white building with blue domes, symbolizing harmony and simplicity. In the courtyard there is a cozy square with alleys, benches, lanterns and lawns. The building itself is considered one of the largest in Kazakhstan - it can accommodate up to 7 thousand people. For comparison, in the modern capital the largest mosque can accommodate up to 10 thousand visitors.

In Almaty you can find Orthodox churches, the most famous of them is Voznesensky Cathedral - a church that has become a monument of ancient architecture in the republic. The temple was built in 1907 made of blue Tien Shan spruce, and its multi-colored domes look very unusual. The structure turned out to be so strong that during earthquakes the stone buildings collapsed, but the temple remained intact.

City museums

The largest museum of the republic is located in Almaty - Central State Museum of Kazakhstan– exhibition of historical and cultural heritage countries, represented in 300,000 exhibits. Here you can find national costumes, a real yurt, nomadic items, military armor, embroidery, jewelry and weapons.

You can get acquainted with the history of the city itself in interesting Almaty Museum. It opened quite recently, but there are already a lot of historical objects here, from the Bronze Age to the modern period.

Among interesting exhibitions it is worth noting:

• Kazakhstan Art Museum - an art gallery with works of Russian and Kazakh talents;
• Natural Museum of Kazakhstan - an exhibition dedicated to the rich historical flora and fauna of the country;
• Geological Museum of Kazakhstan - an exhibition with a unique collection of minerals.

During excavations on the territory of Kazakhstan, many important objects were discovered, including the bones of ancient animals, fossils, and unique disappeared minerals. All this is now presented in museums in Almaty, so a walk through the exhibitions promises to be interesting.

What else can you see and where to go in Almaty

Walking around Almaty, you can meet several important historical monuments, of which the most important is considered Kazakhstan Independence Monument- a majestic object decorating the central square. In addition to him, in the city there are monuments to great people: Abai Kunanbayev, T. Shevchenko, Uraz Dzhandosov, Dzhambul, K.I. Satpayev and many other important personalities.

For those traveling around the city with children, Almaty has a zoo, a circus and the Eighth Wonder of the World water park - some of the largest entertainment facilities in Central Asia.

It is worth noting that the former capital is not called the city of fountains for nothing. There are fountains at almost every step - there are about 120 units. At the end of May they hold Fountain Day, when these objects are launched in the city so that residents and guests of the city can enjoy their beauty and splashes.

Almaty is incredibly interesting and original city. Its visit promises to bring a lot of positive emotions, and your acquaintance with the sights will be remembered for a long time.

The article does not pretend to cover all attractions; it reflects the individual experience of our blogger.

For many tourists, the CIS countries are preferred when choosing a holiday destination. They want to know Kyiv, Chisinau and other regions of neighboring states. In recent years, more and more people have been seeking to visit Alma-Ata, a city that until 1997 had the status of the Kazakh capital. Here you can get acquainted with historical and modern sights.

Almaty is home to one of the largest museums in all of Central Asia. It was founded in the 30s of the XX century. It was during that period that the formation of his main collections began. In 1985, the institution began operating in a new building, which is considered one of the best in the city in terms of urban architecture.

In total, the museum's holdings include about 300 thousand items. The most interesting of them are exhibited in seven exhibition halls. Of all the museums, this is the most visited in Kazakhstan.

• Address: microdistrict Samal-1, 44.
• How does it work: daily from 9:30 to 17:30, closed on Tuesday.
• Ticket price: The basic entrance fee for adults is 100 tenge, for students – 70 tenge, for school students – 50 tenge.

Guests of the former Kazakh capital should definitely see one of the large halls designed for holding concerts, festivals and other cultural events. The palace was built in 1970, when D. Kunaev ruled the country. Its opening took place on the day of V.I. Lenin’s centenary.

The design of the building implies the presence of large spacious rooms located under a single roof covering. Special reinforced concrete racks act as support. The hall can accommodate 3000 people.

The Holy Synod ordered that in 1908 a convent. Initially, a small community was created at the Church of All Saints. Nun Nektaria was appointed the first abbess. The very next year there were about 80 women in the monastery.

After some time, the monastery closed. However, in 2003, the Holy Synod came to the conclusion that the monastery was worth restoring. Now this place is considered the spiritual center of Almaty.

The important attractions of the city include the cable car, which was put into operation in 1967. With its help you can climb the popular Kok-Tobe mountain. Now the route for ascent and descent of passengers meets all international safety standards.

The total length of the route is 1727 meters. It usually takes about 6 minutes to travel from the starting point to the ending point. The height difference between the two stations is 250 meters.

Of the interesting architectural objects, it is worth noting the Ascension Cathedral. It is a masterpiece of wooden architecture, and can also be considered a clear example of a seismically resistant structure. It is included in the list of historical and cultural monuments Kazakhstan, having republican significance.

The cathedral building was used in different ways at different historical stages. At one time it was used as a museum, then as a concert and exhibition pavilion, and also housed various public organizations. Russian Orthodox Church it was returned in 1995.

The city has a zoo, which was one of the first to appear on the territory of Kazakhstan. It was founded in 1937. Now the entire area is divided into seven separate segments - each of them is home to certain classes of fauna. In total there are about 500 species of animals.

The zoo was created in Almaty not only to conduct research work, but also to familiarize children and adults with wildlife. Now it is very popular among citizens and tourists.

Many tourists will be interested in the television tower, whose height is 371 m above ground level. Famous architects worked on the project. At the base, they provided a three-story reinforced concrete foundation capable of withstanding heavy loads.

The tower is considered one of the most seismically resistant buildings in the world. She has already had to withstand earthquakes. To strengthen the soil, a plant was planted next to the building. Apple orchard, which is also a decoration of the area.

Since 2002, the mosque building has been officially classified as an architectural monument. The structure was erected on the site of an old temple, which worked with late XIX century. The three-story rectangular structure can accommodate about 7,000 people. Famous architects were involved in the construction process.

The central dome of the mosque is located directly on a two-tier drum. It was decorated with stalactites around the circumference and interesting colored mosaics. The interior of the building has two-tiered arcades used as additional area for visitors who come to pray.

One of the main symbols of the city is the Schoolchildren's Palace, which has about 80 sections and clubs. The building also has an Internet training center that allows children to gain knowledge in the field of computer literacy and learn how to use the Internet.

The building itself is a beautiful composition; in its center there is a celebration hall. Other groups of premises are adjacent to it. Near the building there are extensive areas and alleys that allow various events to be held.

Tourists have the opportunity to look at the largest museum in Kazakhstan, which contains more than 23 thousand exhibits. The basic part of the collection is represented by the works of masters visual arts countries. There are also foreign collections consisting of original works by Italian, French, English and German and other European artists.

Visitors can see the best exhibits from the fund. The institution carries out special work in several directions. Research is being carried out in the field of the history of national and foreign fine arts.

Another cultural attraction is the local opera and ballet theater. It opened in 1934, so it is of historical value. The theater troupe moved to the current building in 1941. Famous architects N. Prostakov and T. Basenova worked on its project.

In the 90s of the 20th century, the theater experienced difficult times. better times. During this period, work began on the restoration of the building. And they continued for several years. The theater resumed its activities only in 2001.

A continuation of the cultural series of attractions is the museum, presenting a geological exhibition. The history of the institution began during the Great Patriotic War, when one of the academicians took the initiative. He originally created small museum, which was gradually replenished with new interesting exhibits.

A tour of the facility begins in the foyer. It is from here that visitors take the elevator to the main premises. On the ground floor you can see a mine with trolleys filled with ore.

In the central part of Almaty there is a botanical garden covering an area of ​​103 hectares. Its history begins in 1932, when a decree was signed on the creation scientific base in the botanical sector. Since then, experts have been studying the acclimatization of plants, greening not only the city, but the entire republic.

Walking around the area, you can see birch, oak, rowan and other groves. Exotic plants grow in large greenhouses. However, you will need special permission to view them.

A relatively new cultural attraction is a museum specializing in military history countries. It was created in 1993. The exhibition of the institution demonstrates the history of military units that existed on the territory of the republic at different times.

Samples are on display in the museum military equipment, collections of all kinds of weapons and some other exhibits. The exhibition hall area is more than 2 thousand square meters.

In Almaty, one bath and health complex, consisting of three sectors, is very popular. In the first of them there is a Russian bathhouse, where the temperature reaches 100 degrees, in the second there is a Finnish sauna, and in the third there is a hammam with sun loungers made of stone.

Visitors can take advantage of the hydropathic clinic, washing department, shower pavilion and various services. Clients also have access to special rooms where they can relax after bath procedures.

Let's sum it up

To visit Almaty and other cities of Kazakhstan, you do not need a foreign passport. However, it is recommended in any case. There are certain situations in which customs control may not be released outside the Russian Federation.

After familiarizing yourself with the places listed above, Almaty is worth exploring - the city that is currently the capital of Kazakhstan. Tourists who are interested can pay attention to similar objects located on Kazakh territory.

Despite the fact that Almaty (in Soviet times - Alma-Ata) lost its official status almost two decades ago, it is still the largest and most interesting city of this country. In this regard, today Almaty has firmly secured the title southern capital Kazakhstan. We invite you to take a short walk around memorable places this magnificent city, located at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.

Almaty: historical background

This city is located in the southeast and has a long history. So, according to scientific research, they appeared here more than two thousand years ago. Later, several urban settlements were founded on the territory of the modern Almaty region, one of which was called Almaty. It was from him that the name of the southern capital of Kazakhstan subsequently came. Not far from the city there was a route connecting Europe with China. In those times local cities flourished. In the 13th century, Almaty fell into decay, like many other settlements in various countries due to the invasion of Genghis Khan. New life The future was inspired by the soldiers of the Russian Empire, who founded a military fortification here in the middle of the 14th century. The city began to develop very quickly, mainly due to numerous immigrants from Russia. This locality given the name Verny. 10 years after Soviet power came to Kazakhstan, the city was returned to its ancient name with minor changes. At the same time, Alma-Ata became the capital of the Kazakh SSR. This city remained the capital after Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991. Then it was decided to rename it Almaty. The city lost its status as the official capital in 1997.

Today Almaty is the largest economic, financial and Cultural Center Kazakhstan. More than two million people live here. The sights of Almaty and the Almaty region deserve special attention. We suggest further learning more about interesting places to visit in the southern capital of Kazakhstan.

Almaty, Kazakhstan: attractions

Many foreigners coming to the Republic of Kazakhstan, and in particular to Almaty, note the huge natural wealth of this country. After all, there are high picturesque mountains, a magnificent canyon, rivers, and lakes. In addition, the historical and architectural sights of Almaty and the Almaty region deserve special attention. These include the high-mountain skating rink Medeo, Kok-Tyube hill, which offers a magnificent view of the entire southern capital, parks, fountains, museums, monuments and other city buildings. So, if you have a map of Almaty with attractions in your hands, you will see that interesting places here are concentrated not only in the central part of the city, but are scattered in its most diverse areas. So, we suggest taking a closer look at the main places that tourists will be interested in visiting.

Kok-Tyube

As a rule, local residents begin to show their guests the sights of the city of Almaty from Kok-Tyube. This name is given to the hill, whose height is 1130 meters, as well as the park area located on it. It should be noted that Kok-Tobe is not only a landmark of the city, but also a place of republican importance, because there is a three-hundred-meter television tower, which can be seen in all panoramic photographs of Almaty. You can get to Kok-Tube either by special shuttle bus, or by cable car. Usually tourists prefer the second option, since along the way the cable car offers a magnificent view of several areas of the city. To travel by cable car you will need to pay 2,000 tenge round trip, and by bus - 500 tenge. In addition, you can climb the hill on foot, but few people dare to do this. On Kok-Tube you can stroll through a small park, look at the magnificent panorama of Almaty, watch the inhabitants of the mini-zoo, buy souvenirs, have lunch at national restaurant, and also take a photo at the Beatles monument. Thus, if you are exploring the sights of Almaty and considering which one to visit first, we advise you to give preference to Kok-Tyube.

Palace of the Republic

The sights of Almaty necessarily include the Palace of the Republic. It is located at the intersection of Dostyk and Abay avenues. This architectural structure has been the pride of the city for several decades. Various concerts of both local and foreign performers, various special events, etc. are held here. At one time, the architects of the Palace of the Republic (then called the Palace of Culture) were awarded the USSR State Prize.

Park named after 28 Panfilov guardsmen

Many sights of Almaty are inextricably linked with historical events of the Great Patriotic War. These include the Park named after 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, located in the Medeu district of the city. The park is spread over a vast area of ​​18 hectares. It was founded back in the 19th century and was various names. The park received its modern name in honor of 28 soldiers who accomplished feats in the defense of Moscow during the Great Patriotic War. The park area is very green and well-groomed. In addition, it is known for a number of its buildings, such as the Memorial of Glory, the Ascension Cathedral, and the Museum of Folk Instruments.

Ascension Cathedral

Sights of Almaty, photos of which can be seen in various guidebooks and on postcards, always include the Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is located in the Park named after 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. This wooden structure, erected at the beginning of the last century, is truly unique. Thus, the cathedral was among the few buildings in Almaty that survived the devastating ten-magnitude earthquake that occurred here in 1911. After the arrival of Soviet power in Kazakhstan, the cathedral ceased to be used for worship, and its building was used local history museum. The temple was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church only in 1995. Today, regular services are held here, and numerous tourists come here to admire the beauty of this magnificent structure.

Memorial of Glory

This object is also located on the territory of the Park named after 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. It was built in 1975 in honor of the thirtieth anniversary of the Great Victory. At the same time, the Eternal Flame was lit here.

The most popular attractions of Almaty for tourists: Medeo skating rink

This sports complex is located near Almaty in the Medeo tract of the same name and is the highest mountain skating rink in the whole world. It is located at an altitude of one and a half thousand meters above sea level. The Medeo skating rink is famous for its pure ice, which set 126 world records. It was built in 1972. With Kazakhstan gaining independence, the Medeo skating rink began to host international events that later became very famous. music Festival"Asia Dausy" or "Voice of Asia". In 2009, the sports complex underwent a large-scale reconstruction, and it again opened its doors not only to athletes, but also to residents and guests of Almaty. By the way, in winter several thousand people come here every day to go ice skating. The entrance fee to Medeo costs 1800 tenge. If you don’t have skates with you, you can rent them here for a fee.

Independence Monument

If all the sights of Almaty listed above appeared during the existence of the Soviet Union, then the Independence Monument, majestically rising on central square city ​​- this is already a tribute to a new milestone in the history of the country’s development. This is a large-scale object that reflects the entire history of the formation of Kazakh statehood. In its center there is a high pillar, on top of which there is a figure of the “Golden Warrior”.

Fountains

IN summer time On the territory of Almaty you can see a huge number of working fountains of various shapes and sizes. In total, there are 120 such objects in the city. The first of them appeared in Almaty in 1948. Every year on May 25, the city celebrates Fountain Day, when at nine o’clock in the evening fountains begin to operate throughout the entire metropolis. You can enjoy the spray of water and the beauty of these structures from May 25 to September 15.

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

Thanks to its location in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau, the city had the opportunity to acquire the largest high-mountain sports complex in the world - Medeo. It appeared back in Soviet times, and was later modernized. On the streets of Almaty you can also easily find evidence from 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. During particularly dry periods, 125 fountains prevent green spaces from dying.

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What to see and where to go in Almaty?

The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

1. Medeo

The world's largest high-altitude sports complex. Built in 1972, and in 2010 there was a major reconstruction. The local skating rink is called the “record factory.” Natural features have a positive effect on the results of speed skaters, which is why over 200 world records have been set in Medeo. In 2011, a cable car was built from here to the Shymbulak resort.

2. Mount Kok-Tyube

In the past it was called Verigina Mountain. From a height of 1130 meters there is a picturesque view of the city. You can get to the top by car or by cable car. For some time, starting in 2004, the mountain was closed to the public. There was a threat of landslides and ground falling into residential areas. Extensive work was carried out to prevent a disaster, after which the restrictions were lifted. There is a monument to “The Beatles” on Kok-Tyube.

3. Koktobe TV Tower

Built on the slope of the mountain of the same name. Construction work dragged on for almost 10 years and was completed by 1984, when the tower became fully operational. In terms of seismic resistance, it is one of the most reliable in the world. Height – 371.5 meters. There are observation platforms at levels of 146 and 252 meters. There are 3 underground floors, which among other things can serve as a bomb shelter.

4. Monument to the Independence of Kazakhstan

The project, on behalf of Nazarbayev, was carried out by a group of authors led by Sh. Valikhanov. The monument was opened in 1996 on Republic Square. The stele itself has a height of 28 meters. At its top there is a six-meter “Golden Man”, under which there is a winged leopard. All this symbolizes Kazakh statehood and its resilience. Around the base of the stele there are 4 more figures: children on stallions, as well as embodiments of Earth and Sky.

5. Ascension Cathedral

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

6. Central Mosque of Almaty

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

7. St. Nicholas Cathedral

Founded in 1909, when Almaty was still called Verny. The temple was placed on a high foundation and decorated with seven small domes. During Soviet times, the building housed a museum of atheism. After the war, parishioners returned to the cathedral without crosses and icons. This temple became the only one functioning in the city. A complete renovation was carried out in the 90s. In 2012, a monument to St. Nicholas was erected nearby.

8. Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

It is one of the oldest in the country and in the region as a whole. Founded in the 30s of the 19th century. Initially, the funds began to gather in Orenburg and came a long way before ending up in Almaty. The wandering of the collection to different premises ended in 1985, when the museum built its own building. Seven exhibition halls housed exhibitions on the history of Kazakhstan and cultural values.

9. Opera and Ballet Theater named after. Abaya

Initially it was a music studio, but a year after its founding 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 appeared on the 2 thousand tenge banknote.

10. Russian Drama Theater named after. Lermontov

It was created on the basis of the Russian Drama Theater in 1933. It was named after Lermontov in 1964. The event was timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the birth of the writer. The theater building underwent major renovations for almost three years. The artists returned to the usual stage in 2008. The performances are designed for both adults and children. Performances are traditionally staged in Russian.

11. Museum of Musical Instruments named after. Ykylasa

Musical instruments of different nations are collected under one roof. The museum has been operating since 1980, and its collection is constantly expanding. At the moment, the funds number about a thousand pieces of musical instruments. The focus is on Kazakh culture, but Russian Uyghurs and Dungans are also not deprived of attention. Among other things, dombras that previously belonged to famous artists and poets are kept here.

12. Museum of Art. A. Kasteeva

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

13. Kazakh State Circus

Formed in 1970, the troupe consisted mostly of beginning 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 occurred in the team; it was created almost anew. The circus has had its own building since 1972. Inside there is everything necessary for artists, including recreation areas and yards for walking animals.

14. 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 currently been increased 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.

15. Green Bazaar

Shopping arcades in the Medeu region have existed since the mid-19th century. By the 40s of the last century, awnings over retail outlets took shape. And in the 70s, the wooden structures were demolished and a large single building was built. The total number of places for trade became 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.

16. Fountains of Almaty

They are not just a decoration of the city: in combination with the ditch 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 of them are not single, but are presented in the form of fountain groups. All fountains are launched on May 25 and operate until October 25. The water supply schedule is the same for everyone and has not changed for decades.

17. The Beatles Monument

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

18. 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 typical for green urban areas: alleys, flower beds, recreation areas, boulevards. One of the oak trees was planted by President Nazarbayev himself. The 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 townspeople.

19. Park of Culture and Leisure named after. Gorky

One of the most popular places rest in the city. Founded in 1856 in the Malaya Almatinka floodplain. The territory was planted with seeds of plants characteristic of Central Russia, since the soil characteristics allowed them to germinate. Since 1934, recreation centers began to be built on the coast, and attractions appeared. At the present time, there is a need for reconstruction, although dilapidation has virtually no effect on attendance.

20. Park named after 28 Panfilov guardsmen

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

21. Almaty Botanical Garden

Spread over an area of ​​more than 103 hectares. It has existed since 1932. His status changed many times. Nowadays, several research laboratories are working on the basis of the garden, studying different types plants planted here. In the 2000s there was a threat of liquidation botanical garden. It is located in a prestigious area, so there is a demand for land from developers. There are several restoration projects, but the process has not yet started.

22. Almaty Zoo

Since 1937, one of the oldest zoological parks in the country has been located on an area of ​​32 hectares. Most of the area 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. Popular excursions to " Seawater aquarium" There are also particularly noteworthy animals in the zoo, for example, a pair of white lions.

23. Big Almaty Lake

It has tectonic origin and is located at an altitude of 2511 meters above sea level. Coastline– approximately 3 km. The size of the alpine lake varies depending on the time of year. Water level differences reach 20 meters. Water surface changes its color in the palette from greenish to turquoise. Although Bolshoye Almatinskoye is part of the national park, it now belongs to the city.

24. Tamgaly-Tas

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

25. 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 Almaty go here. The length of the canyon is 150 km, height – up to 300 meters. Researchers believe that it is more than 12 million years old. Among natural features one can distinguish a relict ash grove and a large number of There are about 100 species of birds nesting here.