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    Tourist Attractions in Astana

    The most interesting things to do in Astana. Photos and a brief description.

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    About Astana

    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 renovated Astana were built thanks to President N. Nazarbayev.

    The unusual futuristic forms of Khan Shatyr and the Astana Circus, the minarets of the Hazret Sultan mosque piercing the sky and the grandiose scope of Astana-Baiterek can 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 impressions.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Astana

    Monument "Astana-Baiterek"

    The monument was erected on the central square in 2002 on the initiative of President N. Nazarbayev. The impressive 97-meter stele, topped with a gilded ball with a diameter of 22 meters, 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.

    Monument
    Khan Shatyr

    Khan Shatyr

    Shopping and entertainment center, built in 2010. The unusual design of the building resembles a huge tent spread out 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 Accord

    A pyramid-shaped building located next to the monument "Astana-Baiterek". It was erected in 2006 for the meetings of the international congress on world religions and religious 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.

    Palace of Peace and Accord
    Singing Fountain of Astana

    Singing Fountain of Astana

    The singing fountain is a whole alley of dancing water streams, changing shape to the sounds of music and shimmering in bright colors of evening illumination. The composition of the fountain harmoniously complements the appearance of the center of Astana – unusual, bright and futuristic. In the evenings, townspeople and tourists like to walk here, admiring the fascinating dance performed by numerous jets of water.

    Lovers' Park

    One of the most romantic places of the Kazakh capital. Weddings and wedding photo shoots of newlyweds are often held here. The park covers an area of 14 hectares. Its territory is decorated with lawns with bright flowers and trees in accordance with the principles of German landscape design. The place got its name thanks to a bronze sculpture depicting a girl and a young man in love.

    Lovers' Park
    Independence Palace

    Independence Palace

    A complex designed for holding state and other official events (including international level), as well as for organizing exhibitions, concerts and celebrations. There are several halls, art galleries, cinemas, a historical 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" unites under its roof the University of Arts, art and music studios, lecture and concert halls, conference facilities, a gym and a library. It is an important cultural center of Kazakhstan, where a unique creative space has been created.

    Palace of Creativity
    Monument

    Monument "Cossack Ate"

    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. Bas-reliefs depicting important milestones of modern Kazakh history are placed closer to the base on all sides of the monument. One of the figures is President N. Nazabraev.

    Chord

    The official residence of the President of Kazakhstan. Nearby are the buildings of the government, Parliament and the Supreme Court. Akorda looks pompous and monumental, especially considering its impressive size. The building is crowned with a blue dome with a gilded spire. In front of him stretches a spacious square with fountains, flower beds and well-groomed alleys.

    Chord
    Mosque

    Mosque "Hazret Sultan"

    The main mosque of Astana, which occupies the second largest in the whole of Central Asia ("Turkmenbashi Rukhy" stands on the first one). The capacity of the temple is up to 10 thousand people. It was built in 2012 in the style of classical Islamic architecture. "Hazret Sultan" is a real work of urban art, occupying a special place among the city's attractions.

    Mosque "Nur-Astana"

    All the laurels belonged to this temple before the construction of the Hazret Sultan mosque. Nur-Astana was built in 2005 in a modern oriental style with the financial support of the Government of Qatar. Granite, glass and concrete were used in the construction of the building. The minarets of the mosque reach a height of 63 meters (the term of Muhammad's earthly life), the main dome is 40 meters (the age when Allah appeared to Muhammad).

    Mosque
    Assumption Cathedral

    Assumption Cathedral

    The 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. On the square in front of the temple there is a monument to St. Sergius of Radonezh. The relics of Orthodox saints and several valuable icons received as a gift are kept inside.

    Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

    N. Nazarbayev is a revered leader of the nation, who did a lot for the country during the transition period after Kazakhstan gained independence. The museum named after him is located in a former residence on Beibitshilik Street. The exposition is made up of Nazarbayev's personal books, his scientific works, awards and interior items. The museum staff supports children with disabilities — organizes contests, thematic seminars and exhibitions.

    Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

    National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

    The extensive collection is located on an area of 75 thousand m2. 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

    Saken Seifullin Museum

    S. Seifullin is a poet, playwright, public figure and teacher who has made an invaluable contribution to the development of the culture of Kazakhstan. In memory of this extraordinary man, a memorial museum was opened in Astana in 1998, where the writer's personal belongings, photographic materials, documents, books and works of art related to the creative path of S. Seifullin are collected. The exposition is located in a small wooden house – an architectural monument of the XIX century.

    Astana Opera

    The Metropolitan Opera House, built in 2013 at the suggestion of N. Nazarbayev. The building is built in 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.

    Astana Opera
    Gorky Russian Drama Theater

    Gorky Russian Drama Theater

    The theater was created at the end of the XIX century, which makes it the oldest stage of the Kazakh capital. In 1939, he moved into the building, where he remains to this day. In 1969, the theater was named after M. Gorky. The theater troupe regularly participates in international festivals, which indicates the high professionalism of the actors. The repertoire is mainly composed of works by Russian and foreign classics.

    Central Concert Hall "Kazakhstan"

    The site was opened in 2009 with the personal presence of N. Nazarbayev. It is used for concerts, festivals and conferences. Thanks to the excellent acoustics, musical events of various formats can be organized here. The building is designed as a structure with an irregularly shaped facade, which is often compared to the petals of a fantastic flower.

    Central Concert Hall
    Astana Circus

    Astana Circus

    The circus building resembles the outline of a flying saucer. The original project was invented by architect T. Abdilda. In addition to the arena and auditorium, the complex also includes a hotel with more than 100 seats. The circus program is quite diverse – it includes both traditional numbers for the genre and original productions using national motifs. About 300 people are involved in the troupe.

    Ishim River Embankment

    One of the main tourist places of Astana. Festive events often take place here, gathering a large number of citizens. The embankment offers a magnificent view of the new districts of the city, in the construction of which modern architectural solutions and original projects were used. From here you can start a walking route around the Kazakh capital.

    Ishim River Embankment
    Monument to Khan Kenesary

    Monument to Khan Kenesary

    Khan Kenesary is a national hero of Kazakhstan, who in the XIX century fought for the independence of the country from the Russian Empire. He led the liberation uprising, which was subsequently 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. It represents the figure of the khan in national dress, sitting on a horse.

    The 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. Nazarbayev. It was timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence. The monument has become the personification of the freedom of the country, to which the Kazakh people have been going for many years. During the construction of the arch, the rules of the "golden section" were used.

    The Triumphal Arch
    Astana Arena

    Astana Arena

    A spacious sports stadium with a sliding 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. 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 quite unusual – "Atameken" is made in the form of a map on which the 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.

    Map of Kazakhstan
    Entertainment center

    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 citizens and tourists.