- Fountain capital
- What to visit in Almaty in one day?
- Natural attractions of Almaty
- The wealth of Almaty
There are several spelling options for the name of the former capital of Kazakhstan. During the Middle Ages, a settlement with the toponym Almaty was located in these territories. The next name, Verny, appeared during the period when the city was part of the Russian Empire. Today it is one of the most beautiful settlements in the country, with a large number of architectural monuments and museums that directly answer the question of what to visit in Almaty, or in the usual transcription - in Almaty.
Fountain capital
Any local resident, having heard a question from a guest about what to visit in Almaty on their own, will not hesitate for a second, and will immediately offer to go on a journey through the city fountains. At the same time, one should take into account the fact that in Kazakhstan, in general, and in this city, in particular, a very careful attitude towards water sources.
Today, about 120 fountains can be found on the territory of Almaty, which, in turn, has led to the emergence of an unusual city festival that gathers crowds of local residents and guests from different countries. The holiday was named "Fountain Day". It is celebrated in the spring, the day they are first launched. Both Alma-Ata aborigines and guests of the former capital travel with pleasure through the streets and squares, admiring the beautiful spectacle.
What to visit in Almaty in one day?
There are not many historical sights preserved in the city, but you can still find unique architectural structures and natural monuments. The most interesting for tourists can be walks to the following objects: Ascension Cathedral; the legendary sports complex "Medeo"; to the Alatau mountain, the business card of Almaty.
Local residents are already making up legends about the cathedral, one of which is associated with the strongest earthquake of 10 points that occurred in this region in 1911. The church successfully survived this natural cataclysm, the secret was in the unique engineering structure, the author of the project of which was Pavel Gurde. His idea was brought to life in 1907 by engineer A. Zenkov and architect K. Borisoglebsky, and artist N. Khludov painted the walls of the cathedral from the inside.
Fortunately, during the reign of Soviet power, the building was not given over for a warehouse or outbuildings; it housed a museum of local lore, a treasury of values of Almaty and its environs. In 1995, the temple complex was handed over to the believers. The Resurrection Cathedral is also associated with the myth that no nails were used during the construction, although research scientists claim the opposite. During the restoration of the temple at the end of the twentieth century, the builders could not do without nails.
Natural attractions of Almaty
The famous sports complex "Medeo" is another important point of the tourist route in Almaty. Fans of active winter recreation, and those who simply want to see an extraordinary sports, cultural and entertainment facility hidden in the mountains, come here for new impressions, emotions.
The skating rink of the complex allowed setting many world records, which scientists have found an explanation for. For ice, the water of glaciers was used, which is characterized by an almost complete absence of salt. This ensures the high quality of the ice cover and, accordingly, new records and achievements. Even higher in the mountains there is a less well-known sports complex - "Chimbulak". Lovers of alpine skiing gather here, which gives an extraordinary sensation from the conquest of the slopes.
Beautiful panoramas of Almaty open up to the guests of the city from the top of Kok-Tobe, the name in Russian is translated as "Green Hill". The route will not cause any particular difficulties, although you will have to climb to an altitude of more than 1000 meters (above sea level). The cable car will make the climb almost invisible. In addition to the beautiful views from the top of Kok-Tobe, the tourist will find a nice cafe upstairs, many souvenir shops and even a small zoo that will appeal to young guests from abroad.
The wealth of Almaty
The city itself can also become an interesting object for travelers who can develop a route on their own using advertising brochures and booklets. It is even better to book an excursion from a local ethnographer or guide, most of which begin at a majestic architectural structure - the Palace of the Republic. In the immediate vicinity of this miracle of engineering, there is another popular tourist destination - the State Museum.
On the one hand, the museum is the main treasury of the city, the guardian of ancient monuments. On the other hand, it not only stores, but also presents unique museum collections and museum items in permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions. There is also a miniature copy of the Golden Man, an artifact that occupies the first line in the list of archaeological treasures of Kazakhstan.
