Astana looks like a magical oasis in the middle of the endless Kazakh steppes. The city was rebuilt almost from scratch a couple of decades ago after the decision was made to move the capital here from the city of Alma-Ata. Many cultural objects of the renewed Astana were built thanks to President N. Nazarbayev.
The unusual futuristic forms of Khan Shatyr and the Astana circus, the minarets of the Khazret Sultan mosque piercing the sky and the grandiose scope of Astana-Baiterek are able to impress any traveler. Today the city continues to develop actively. New interesting places are constantly appearing here. Astana is a hospitable and pleasant city where guests are always welcome. You should definitely come here for new experiences.
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What to see and where to go in Astana?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Monument "Astana-Baiterek"
The monument was erected on the central square in 2002 at the initiative of President N. Nazarbayev. The imposing 97-meter stele, crowned with a gilded ball 22 meters in diameter, was made according to the project of A. Rustembekov. "Astana-Baiterek" symbolizes a new stage in the life of the Kazakh people, which was marked by the transfer of the country's capital from Alma-Ata to Astana.
"Khan Shatyr"
Shopping and entertainment center, built in 2010. The unusual construction of the building resembles a huge tent spread among the endless Kazakh steppes. Inside there are shops, restaurants, office space, a family amusement park, a water park and a real beach resort with sea sand specially imported from the Maldives.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
The building is in the form of a pyramid, located next to the monument "Astana-Baiterek". It was erected in 2006 for the sessions of the International Congress on World Religions and Tolerance held in Astana. The building also has an opera hall, at the opening of which Montserrat Caballe herself sang. Today the palace is used for exhibitions, conferences and concerts.
Singing Fountain of Astana
The Singing Fountain is a whole alley of dancing water streams, changing shape to the sound of music and shimmering in the bright colors of the evening illumination. The composition of the fountain harmoniously complements the look of the center of Astana - unusual, bright and futuristic. In the evenings, townspeople and tourists like to stroll here, admiring the bewitching dance performed by numerous jets of water.
Lovers' Park
One of the most romantic places in the Kazakh capital. Weddings and wedding photo sessions of newlyweds are often held here. The park covers an area of 14 hectares. Its grounds are decorated with lawns with colorful flowers and trees, in accordance with the principles of German landscape design. The place got its name from a bronze sculpture depicting a girl and a boy in love.
Palace of Independence
A complex designed for state and other official events (including international ones), as well as for organizing exhibitions, concerts and celebrations. It houses several rooms, art galleries, cinemas, a history museum and an electronic library. The building was built in 2007-08 in the style of modern architecture.
Palace of Creativity "Shabyt"
Multifunctional cultural complex, which was opened for the 10th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Astana. Shabyt brings together an art university, art and music studios, lecture and concert halls, conference rooms, a gymnasium and a library under its roof. It is an important cultural center of Kazakhstan, where a unique creative space has been created.
Monument "Cossack Eli"
The monument is located on Independence Square. It is a white stele 91 meters high, crowned with the figure of the mythical bird Samruk. This size was not chosen by chance, since it was in 1991 that Kazakhstan became an independent state. Closer to the base, on all sides of the monument, there are bas-reliefs depicting important milestones in modern Kazakh history. One of the figures is President N. Nazabrayev.
Akorda
The official residence of the President of Kazakhstan. Nearby are the buildings of the government, parliament and the Supreme Court. The Akorda looks pompous and monumental, especially considering its impressive size. The building is crowned with a blue dome with a gilded spire. A spacious square with fountains, flower beds and well-groomed alleys stretches in front of it.
Mosque "Khazret Sultan"
The main mosque of Astana, which ranks second in size in all of Central Asia (the first is "Turkmenbashi Rukhy"). The capacity of the temple is up to 10 thousand people. It was built in 2012 in the style of classical Islamic architecture. "Khazret Sultan" is a real work of urban planning art, which occupies a special place among the city sights.
Mosque "Nur-Astana"
This temple owned all the laurels before the construction of the Khazret Sultan mosque. Nur-Astana was built in 2005 in a modern oriental style with financial support from the Qatar government. During the construction of the building, granite, glass and concrete were used. The minarets of the mosque reach 63 meters in height (the life of Muhammad on earth), the main dome is 40 meters (the age when Allah appeared to Muhammad).
Assumption Cathedral
Cathedral Orthodox Church of Astana, built in 2005-09. The cathedral has a cultural center, a hotel for pilgrims, a children's Sunday school and a small church history museum. A monument to the Monk Sergius of Radonezh is erected on the square in front of the temple. Inside are the relics of Orthodox saints and several valuable icons received as a gift.
Museum of the first president of the Republic of Kazakhstan
N. Nazarbayev is the revered leader of the nation who has done a lot for the country during the transition period after Kazakhstan gained independence. The museum named after him is located in the former residence on the street. Beibitshilik. The exposition is composed of personal books of Nazarbayev, his scientific works, awards and interior items. The museum staff is involved in supporting children with disabilities - it organizes contests, thematic seminars and exhibitions.
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
An extensive collection is located on an area of 75 thousand square meters. It covers the time period from antiquity to the present day and consists of archaeological, cultural and ethnographic artifacts. The museum is divided into several halls: Astana, independent Kazakhstan, history, ethnography, contemporary art, gold. Modern technologies are actively used to demonstrate the collection.
Saken Seifullin Museum
S. Seifullin is a poet, playwright, public figure and teacher who made an invaluable contribution to the development of the culture of Kazakhstan. In memory of this extraordinary person, a memorial museum was opened in 1998 in Astana, where personal belongings of the writer, photographic materials, documents, books and works of art related to the creative path of S. Seifullin were collected. The exposition is housed in a small wooden house - an architectural monument of the 19th century.
Astana Opera
The Metropolitan Opera House, erected in 2013 at the suggestion of N. The building was built in the neoclassical style. Despite its novelty, it has already been recognized as a national architectural monument. Specialists from the Italian La Scala, as well as from the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters were specially invited to select the artists who made up the theater troupe.
Russian Drama Theater named after M. Gorky
The theater was created at the end of the 19th century, which makes it the oldest stage in the Kazakh capital. In 1939 he moved to the building, where he still remains. In 1969 the theater was named after M. Gorky. The theater troupe regularly takes part in international festivals, which speaks of the high professionalism of the actors. The repertoire is predominantly composed of works by Russian and foreign classics.
Central Concert Hall "Kazakhstan"
The site was opened in 2009 with N.'s personal presence. It is used for concerts, festivals and conferences. Thanks to its excellent acoustics, it is possible to organize musical events of various formats here. The building is designed as a structure with an irregularly shaped facade, which is often compared to the petals of a fantastic flower.
Astana circus
The circus building resembles the outline of a flying saucer. The original project was invented by the architect T. Abdilda. In addition to the arena and the auditorium, the complex also includes a hotel with more than 100 seats. The circus program is quite diverse - it includes both traditional performances for the genre and original performances using national motives. The troupe employs about 300 people.
Ishim river embankment
One of the main tourist destinations in Astana. Festive events are often held here, gathering a large number of townspeople. The embankment offers a magnificent view of the new districts of the city, during the construction of which modern architectural solutions and original projects were used. From here you can start a walking route around the Kazakh capital.
Monument to Khan Kenesary
Khan Kenesary is a national hero of Kazakhstan, who in the 19th century fought for the country's independence from the Russian Empire. He led the liberation uprising, which was later suppressed by the tsarist troops. A monument in his honor was erected in Astana on the embankment of the Ishim River. The sculpture is made of bronze. She is a figure of a khan in national dress, riding a horse.
Triumphal arch "Mangilik El"
The Astana Triumphal Arch is a kind of response to European monuments. The opening of the monument took place in the presence of N. It was timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence. The monument has become the personification of the country's freedom, towards which the Kazakh people have been walking for many years. During the construction of the arch, the rules of the "golden section" were used.
Astana Arena
A spacious sports stadium with a retractable roof, designed for 30 thousand spectators. First of all, it is used for organizing football matches, but its design allows other competitions to be held here as well. Astana Arena is the home ground for three football clubs. The stadium was opened in 2009. According to the UEFA classification, it has 4 stars.
Map of Kazakhstan "Atameken"
Memorial complex located in the central park of Astana on Turan Avenue. The concept of the museum is rather unusual - "Atameken" is made in the form of a map on which cities and regions of the country are located on a reduced scale. That is, it is a miniature model of Kazakhstan. Like many other iconic places of the capital, the complex was built on the initiative of N. Nazarbayev.
Entertainment center "Duman"
The entertainment complex is designed for the whole family. On its territory there are many attractions, an oceanarium (the only one in Central Asia), an exotarium, a children's playground, a 5D cinema, a museum, as well as numerous recreation areas and restaurants. Duman was opened in 2003. Since then, it has become one of the favorite vacation spots for townspeople and tourists.
