Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city and cultural and commercial capital, set at 700-900 m on the northern slope of the Trans-Ili Alatau, with snow-capped peaks rising directly behind the city. It combines Soviet-era parks, Orthodox and Muslim landmarks, a thriving cafe and restaurant scene, and the best access in the country to ski slopes, high lakes, canyons and petroglyph sites.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Almaty.
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1
Silk Road settlements in the Ili valley
Farming and trading settlements grew in the foothills of the Zailiyskiy Alatau along a branch of the Silk Road, including the medieval town of Almatu in the area of present-day Almaty.
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2
Mongol era
The region came under Mongol rule and later formed part of successor khanates, with Almalyk and nearby towns serving as trading centres.
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3
Russian fort of Zailiyskoye founded
A Russian military fortification was built on the Malaya Almatinka river and renamed Verny in 1855, beginning the modern city.
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4
Verny earthquake
A strong earthquake destroyed much of the town, after which wooden and low-rise buildings were favoured.
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5
Kemin earthquake
A large quake damaged the city again; Zenkov Cathedral, a wooden building designed by Andrei Zenkov, came through it intact.
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6
Renamed Alma-Ata
The city took the name Alma-Ata under Soviet rule.
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7
Capital of Soviet Kazakhstan
Alma-Ata became the capital of the Kazakh Soviet republic and grew with the arrival of the Turkestan-Siberia railway.
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8
Jeltoqsan protests
Young people gathered on the main square in protest at a Moscow-appointed party leader; the events are commemorated as a landmark of the independence movement.
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9
Independence
Kazakhstan declared independence from the Soviet Union, with Almaty as capital.
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10
Capital moves to Astana
The national capital was moved to Akmola (later Astana); Almaty remained the largest city and commercial centre.
Historical sites
Places where Almaty's past comes alive.
Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral)
Where: Panfilov Park, central Almaty
Admission: Free
Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame
Where: Panfilov Park, central Almaty
Admission: Free
Central State Museum of Kazakhstan
Where: Samal-1 microdistrict, Almaty
Admission: KZT 500 adult (approx USD 1.10); KZT 300 students and pensioners (approx USD 0.65); KZT 200 children (approx USD 0.40)
Museum of Almaty
Where: Central Almaty
Admission: KZT 1,500 (approx USD 3.20)
Museum of Archaeology
Where: Central Almaty
Admission: Free
Military History Museum
Where: Panfilov Park, central Almaty
Admission: Free
Independence Monument on Republic Square
Where: Central Almaty
Admission: Free
D. Kunaev House Museum
Where: Central Almaty
Admission: Free
Akhmet Baytursynov Museum House
Where: Central Almaty
Admission: Entry price not published
M. Auezov Literature Memorial House
Where: Central Almaty
Admission: KZT 1,500 (approx USD 3.20)
Central Museum of Railway Transport
Where: Central Almaty
Admission: Free