The Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, commonly known as Panfilov Park, is a large and historic urban park located in the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Established in the 1870s, the park is a cherished green oasis dedicated to the memory of the Panfilov Heroes—28 soldiers from an Almaty infantry unit who died heroically defending Moscow from Nazi invasion during World War II. More than just a recreational space, the park is a place of deep historical and cultural significance, housing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Zenkov Cathedral and a solemn war memorial, making it a central point for both remembrance and daily life in Almaty.

Name and Address

• Name: The Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen (or simply Panfilov Park).
• Address: Located in the Medeu District, in the east-central part of Almaty, Kazakhstan.

How to Get There

Situated in central Almaty, the park is very easy to access.

• By Foot (Recommended): The park is a major landmark and is easily reachable on foot from many central locations in Almaty.
• By Metro: The Zhibek Zholy metro station is the closest, from which it is a short walk to the park.
• By Bus/Taxi: As a central hub, numerous city bus routes stop near the park’s perimeter. Taxis are also a convenient and affordable option.
• Visitor Tip: The park is a wonderful place to visit at any time of day. It is a lively hub of local life, where you can see people playing chess, feeding pigeons, and strolling along the tree-lined alleys.

Landscape and Architecture

The landscape is that of a classic, leafy city park, which serves as a beautiful setting for several significant architectural and monumental works.

• Urban Park Landscape: The park covers 18 hectares and is filled with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, including perennial oaks, elms, pines, and firs. Its network of paved paths and shaded alleys makes it a popular place for leisurely walks.
• Zenkov Cathedral: The architectural centerpiece and most famous landmark within the park is the magnificent Zenkov Cathedral. This brightly colored, fairy-tale-like Russian Orthodox cathedral was completed in 1907 and is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world.
• Memorial of Glory: At the eastern end of the park is the imposing Memorial of Glory, a massive, black monument built in 1975 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the victory in WWII. It is a triptych of high reliefs depicting Soviet soldiers from all 15 republics.
• The Eternal Flame: In front of the Memorial of Glory burns an Eternal Flame, honoring the soldiers who fell in the Russian Civil War and World War II. It is a solemn and important site of remembrance, where wedding parties often come to lay flowers.
• Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments: Housed in a beautiful, traditional-style wooden building (also designed by Zenkov) at the eastern edge of the park, this museum showcases a rich collection of traditional Kazakh and Turkic musical instruments.

What Makes It Famous

Panfilov Park is famous for being a powerful memorial to Soviet-era heroism and for housing one of the most unique cathedrals in the world.

• Memorial to the Panfilov Heroes: The park’s primary identity is as a memorial to the legendary 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. Their story of ultimate sacrifice in defending Moscow is a cornerstone of Kazakh and Soviet history from WWII.
• Zenkov Cathedral: The park is the setting for the iconic Zenkov Cathedral, which is famous for its unique wooden construction and its legendary survival of the 1911 earthquake that destroyed much of the city.
• A Hub of Almaty Life: It is a central point of civic life in Almaty, a place where history, religion, and daily recreation converge. It is beloved by locals and a must-see for visitors.

Differences from Other Wonders

Panfilov Park offers a unique experience that is distinct from the other natural and historical sites in the region.

• An Urban Memorial Park vs. a Natural Wilderness: Panfilov Park is a curated, urban park dedicated to historical memory. This is a complete contrast to the vast, wild, and rugged landscapes of natural wonders like Ala Archa National Park or Jeti-Oguz Gorge.
• Soviet History vs. Ancient Silk Road History: The park’s historical focus is on the 20th century, specifically the Soviet experience in World War II. This is a very different historical period from the ancient and medieval Silk Road history represented by sites like the Burana Tower or Tash Rabat.
• A Multi-faceted Park vs. a Singular Landmark: Unlike a single monument like the Burana Tower, Panfilov Park is a larger, multi-faceted destination that contains several major attractions within it—a cathedral, a war memorial, and a museum—all set within a beautiful green space.