Shakhvorostov house, 19th-century merchant residence in Almaly, Kazakhstan.
The Shakhvorostov house is a wooden structure from the 1890s featuring an ornately decorated exterior that displays traditional construction techniques of the period. The building combines multiple levels and architectural details typical of merchant residences from that era.
The house was designed in 1890 by architect Andrei Zenkov, the same creator who built the nearby cathedral. It survived the earthquakes that struck the city multiple times in its early decades.
The house reflects how successful merchants displayed their wealth and status through home design during the late 1800s. Its architectural choices show the tastes and aspirations of that commercial class.
The residence is located in central Almaty, within walking distance of Zenkov Cathedral and Panfilov Park, making it easy to explore alongside other historical sites. Access to the facade is currently limited, but the external architecture is visible from the street.
The house was constructed with specific engineering solutions to remain stable in a region prone to earthquake activity. These technical innovations allowed the architect to maintain traditional elegant design while ensuring structural safety.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
