The Russian Orthodox cathedral of Bishkek, built in 1947 — one of the few large religious buildings approved during Stalin's brief wartime softening towards the church. The exterior is modest sky-blue plaster with five gilded domes; the interior is the more memorable visit, with the usual dense walls of icons and a strong smell of beeswax candles.
Services are best attended on Sunday morning when a small choir sings unaccompanied chant. Visitors of all backgrounds are welcome but should dress modestly — women cover their heads, men remove hats.