- What to visit in Astana in one day?
- Symbol of new life
- Palaces of Astana
- Have fun
One of the largest Kazakh cities for a long time remained in the shadow of Alma-Ata, several times throughout history it changed its name. Today, no one has a question of what to visit in Astana, which has recently become the capital and is developing at a rapid pace. In this, one of the most beautiful cities in Kazakhstan, there are many sights, cultural monuments, chic architectural structures and parks.
What to visit in Astana in one day?
If you are planning a short visit to the Kazakh capital, then you need to carefully consider the route of travel around the city. There are many objects on the list of things to see on your own or under the guidance of a professional guide. Chief among them are the following:
- the Baiterek monument, a visiting card of the city;
- Alley of Singing Fountains, located on Vodno-Zeleny Boulevard;
- palaces of Astana, including the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, the Palace of Independence and Ak-Orda, the presidential residence.
Modern Astana deserves a separate excursion - futuristic buildings growing like mushrooms change the appearance of the city almost before our eyes.
Symbol of new life
One of the main meeting points for tourists in Astana is located at the foot of the Baiterek monument, whose name is translated from Kazakh as "support, protector". But this cultural monument has a special mission, it acts as a symbol of a young, rapidly developing capital.
The monument is a tower, the top of which is crowned with a huge ball. It is interesting to observe how the color of this ball changes throughout the day. The color depends on the intensity of the lighting; the capital's residents and guests gather to watch a kind of color show every day. The guides will tell you that the tower “grows” not only upward, its “roots” are hidden deep underground. On the lower floors there are small, cozy cafes and aquariums, a gallery.
But the most vivid impressions await travelers who venture to climb the tower to a height of 86 meters. There is a panoramic hall here, from which, naturally, gorgeous views of the capital and the surrounding area open up. Locals with a smile call the tower "chupa-chups" for its external resemblance to the famous candy, while all guests are necessarily led to it.
Palaces of Astana
There are very few ancient buildings in the city, its beauty and pride are modern masterpieces of architecture and engineering. One of the most beautiful and impressive is the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. It is interesting that the author of the project was not a Kazakh, but Sir Norman Foster. The palace has already received the definition of "the eighth wonder of the world."
Outwardly, it resembles a pyramid, which acts as a symbol of the openness of Kazakhstan and its inhabitants to the whole world. At the top of the pyramid, according to the architect's idea, there is a glass dome; a local resident or tourist can also get here to look at the city blocks from above. The highlight of the decor is that 130 figurines of doves are placed on the dome, which symbolize the peoples living in this state.
The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is one of the largest cultural centers of the Kazakh capital; it houses exhibition centers, galleries showing the creations of contemporary Kazakh and foreign artists, and a concert hall. Other architectural sights, located nearby and also positioned as palaces, attract attention: the Palace of Creativity "Shabyt" and the Palace of Independence, which is used for all official events with the participation of the President of Kazakhstan.
Have fun
In modern Astana, as in other megacities of the world, many shopping and entertainment establishments have appeared. One of them - "Duman", there are not only numerous retail outlets, but there are also many "highlights". For example, its own Oceanarium, the only one in the world, located not near the sea coast, but at a distance of more than 3000 kilometers from the ocean. Here you have the opportunity to walk through the sea tunnel, which is laid at the bottom of one of the giant aquariums.
In this center, you can get acquainted with the most famous historical monuments concentrated in one place in reduced copies or models. The entertainment center is adored by children - both residents of the capital and young tourists. Center "Duman" or similar institutions, that's what you can visit in Astana on your own, a guide is not required here.
The rival to Duman is Khan Shatyr, built in the form of a huge tent, inside which there are shops and restaurants, cinemas. And there is also a water park, in which pools with artificial waves and a mini-beach, given the geographical location of Kazakhstan, the love for water of the residents of the state and the capital becomes understandable.
