A frozen water sphere amidst the hustle and bustle of the city -
The light breath of old Almaty, shining in the sun spray -
The Dandelion Fountain is one of the most recognizable and little–known symbols of old Almaty. It was as if he had gathered the memory of the quiet evenings of the old city, of walking along the green boulevards, of that light and carefree mood that is so difficult to maintain in the rapid rhythm of the metropolis. Today, the fountain continues to be a point of attraction, small in shape, but huge in atmosphere. Panfilov Pedestrian Street runs next to the fountain, which makes it a frequently visited place.
The fountain is located in a picturesque location, surrounded by greenery and pedestrian alleys, in the vicinity of Astana Square next to the monument to Alia Moldagulova and Manshuk Mametova, heroines of the Great Patriotic War. This makes the fountain a popular point for meetings, photos and leisurely walks. Its modern design, combining simple shapes and the play of water, symbolizes lightness, purity and connection with nature. Dandelion has become an integral part of the urban landscape, embodying the updated and aesthetic appearance of Almaty.
History
The appearance of the Dandelion fountain dates back to the Soviet period of actively developing Almaty. Then the city grew rapidly, expanding park areas, creating new public spaces and architectural accents. And it was at this time that an elegant structure with a metal sphere appeared in the landscape of the city, from which hundreds of the thinnest jets of water ran away.
It was originally conceived as a decorative element of the urban environment, light, airy, reminiscent of nature in the heart of the stone quarters. Meetings, dates, and children's games took place around him, and photos at the Dandelion became a tradition for guests and residents of the city.
Over time, the fountain became not just an architectural object, but a part of the cultural memory of Almaty. They tried to preserve and update it, despite the reconstruction of nearby streets and parks. For many Almaty residents, it remains a symbol of the time when the city was cozy, quiet and especially romantic.
Architecture and building
The uniqueness of the fountain lies in its shape: a metal sphere with hundreds of thin tubes, from which water bursts out, creating the effect of an airy dandelion, opened by the wind. This design is not just decorative – it is designed so that the water flow is uniform, forming an ideal sphere.
The architectural philosophy is simple: minimum material, maximum visual effect. And it was this conciseness that made Dandelion so recognizable. It harmoniously fits into modern park areas and into the historical buildings of the city.
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How to get there and visit -
The Dandelion Fountain is located in the central part of Almaty, on the face of Bogenbai Batyr, between Bayseitova Street and Panfilov Street, Almaly district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°15'09"N 76°56'38"E
You can always come here by car or take a taxi. In addition, the area is well covered by a public transport network: buses run here. № 12, 16, 48, 59, 98, 126, 201, 205, 206, 209, 210, 224 and trolleybuses No. 5 and 6.
The location is also ideally connected to the subway. From the corner of Bogenbai Batyr and Panfilov streets, Almaly train station is just 200 meters away on foot. And just a two-minute walk from the intersection of Aiteke bi and Panfilov streets you will find the Zhibek Zholy metro station.
The best time to visit is in the evening, when the backlight turns on and the sunset begins to play with soft shades in the water sphere.
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Atmosphere and features
The Dandelion fountain creates an atmosphere of lightness and comfort. On a sunny day, its spherical design seems to light up with hundreds of small rainbows that are born in water droplets. It's not noisy, it's not massive, on the contrary, it's calm, almost meditative.
In the evening, it acquires a special charm: the soft illumination makes the water ball more voluminous, warm and mysterious. Locals like to come here to relax, breathe in the coolness and disconnect a little from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The fountain has become an important part of the city's identity. He is a visual sign of the old part of Almaty, which reminds us that the city can be not only fast-paced, but also very emotional.
Legend and legend
There is a beautiful legend among the people of Almaty:
They say that if you go to the fountain at sunset, close your eyes and make a wish when the smallest drops of water touch your face, it will surely come true. It is believed that the fountain's jets seem to carry a request to the sky, turning it into a bright thought that returns to a person with a good sign.
And there is also a belief that the "Dandelion" stores the energy of first dates. They say that the couples who were photographed with him for the first time will be together for a long time, because the water symbolizes purity and the beginning of the journey.
So, the Dandelion fountain became not just an architectural form, but a real urban mascot.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Kazakh State Academic Theater and Opera named after Abai Kunanbayev.
• Abai Opera and Ballet Theater Park;
• Bust Monument to Zhambyl Zhabaev;
• Nedelka Fountain;
• Museum of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• Zhibek Zholy Pedestrian Street;
• Former administrative building of Kazpotrebsoyuz;
• Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after Zhurgenov;
• Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory;
• Hotel "Almaty".
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