Urban memory and a new breath of space -
The green symbol of renewal and openness of Almaty -
The Residence Square was built on the site of the former residence of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and has become one of the most unusual public spaces in Almaty. Here, in the heart of the city, history and modernity are intertwined in the living urban fabric, turning the once-closed territory into an open area for walking, reflection and meetings. Today, this place is perceived not as a former administrative facility, but as a symbol of change, which reflects the city's path through dramatic events to a new, brighter and more open life.
A few years ago, this area was inaccessible to the townspeople. Behind the high fences was a residence, the existence of which most Almaty residents knew only from photographs and news. Now trees are rustling here, clouds are reflected in the water, voices of people walking are heard, and the square itself has become one of the most atmospheric points of central Almaty.
History
The place where the park is located today is associated with one of the most intense periods in the modern history of Kazakhstan. In January 2022, the presidential residence building was at the epicenter of mass riots and was severely damaged by fire. After the tragic events, it was decided not to restore the destroyed structure, but to demolish it and create a public space in this place, open to all residents of the city.
The initiative to create a public garden has become part of a new urban planning philosophy – to return the city to people and turn closed and symbolically heavy territories into spaces of life. The official opening of the park took place in November 2025. Since that moment, the place, once associated with power and isolation, has become one of the most accessible and democratic points in the center of Almaty.
Architecture and layout
The park is located west of Nazarbayev Avenue and north of Gandhi Street, on an area of more than four hectares. Almost three hectares are occupied by a green zone, the rest of the area is devoted to paths, playgrounds and public spaces. The layout is designed so that visitors can freely move between quiet alleys, recreation areas and active playgrounds.
In the center of the park there is an artificial pond with a fountain, which turns into an ice rink in winter, adding seasonal life to the place. More than ten thousand square meters of footpaths have been laid across the territory, dozens of benches have been installed, sports areas, a playground and a small amphitheater for city events are equipped. Built-in lighting and automatic irrigation systems make the space modern and comfortable at any time of the day and in any season.
---------------------------------------------
How to get there and visit -
The Residence Square on the site of the former residence of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is located in the eastern part of Almaty at 223 Nazarbayev Avenue, between Nazarbayev Avenue and Gandhi Street, Medeu district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'05"N 76°56'52"E
The park is conveniently located at the intersection of Nursultan Nazarbayev Avenue and Mahatma Gandhi Street. It is easy to get here by public transport: the Ramstor shopping center bus stop is within walking distance. № 2, 48, 63, 86, 127 and the stop "Zholdasbekov" buses No. 45, 48, 128 run here. Also, for convenience, we recommend using taxi services through a special mobile application or driving to the park in a private car.
The square is open to the public throughout the day and is designed as a public space without restrictions, where everyone can walk, sit by the water or spend time with their family.
---------------------------------------------
Atmosphere
Today, there is a sense of tranquility and renewal here. It's hard to believe that the same place has recently been linked to disturbing events. The square fills the city with soft silence, reflections of the sky in the pond water, the rustle of foliage and the leisurely rhythm of walking. In the evening, soft lighting turns on, emphasizing the shapes of trees and paths, and the space acquires an almost cinematic depth.
Landscaping plays a special role in the atmosphere. Hundreds of trees and shrubs have been planted here – coniferous and deciduous species, apple trees, linden trees, willows, junipers. They form a multi-layered green landscape that changes from season to season and makes the square lively and dynamic.
Legend and legend
An unspoken legend has already appeared among the townspeople: they say that the square has absorbed the pain and anxiety of the past in order to turn into a place of peace. A preserved fragment of the wall of the former residence, enclosed by glass, seems to hold the memory of the January events, preventing it from dissolving, but also preventing it from dominating the present. It is believed that a walk past this fragment helps to realize how fragile history is and how important it is to protect the world.
The Residence Square on the site of the former presidential residence has become one of the most powerful symbols of modern Almaty. This space shows how the city knows how to rethink its past and turn it into a point of growth and life. Memory and the future, silence and movement, greenery and architecture meet here. For a traveler, this is not just a park in the city center, but a living story about how Almaty is changing, while remaining true to its spirit of an open, green and free city.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Monument of Independence of Kazakhstan;
• Republic Square;
• Akimat of Almaty city (goverment house);
• Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• Almaty Palace of Schoolchildren (former House of Pioneers);
• Halyk Square Pedestrian Alley;
• Almaty Museum;
• Almaty Theatre.
Photogallery:
