The city's oldest public space and a favorite place for walking -
The City Square of Astana is a unique architectural and spiritual site in the city of Astana. The space, which has a rich history, impresses with its beauty and grandeur: its classical Soviet monumental style stands out advantageously among the modern buildings of the right bank near the famous Astana Arbat and the legendary State Academic Maxim Gorky Russian Drama Theatre.
The construction of this unique center, which became the main square of Akmolinsk and Tselinograd, was carried out with the support of the state, becoming a clear confirmation of care for developing the potential of public life in the republic, which is emphasized by its location near the majestic Monument to Khan Kenesary.
This complex serves as the main methodical and creative core of the city's recreational system, coordinating major festive events. Through the functioning of such a legendary institution, an example of openness and respect for historical traditions is demonstrated.
The light facades of the surrounding buildings perfectly complement the historical appearance of the district. The square is located near the Makhambet Utemisov Schoolchildren's Palace, and its pedestrian zones offer a view of the lively avenues that lead to the Ishim River Embankment. At this point of the right bank, two different eras harmoniously intertwine.
The akimat building and fountain cascades occupy a central place in the cultural landscape, being located in a convenient transport and pedestrian corridor near the picturesque Central Park and the Trading House of Merchant Matvey Kubrin. The historical heritage is carefully preserved here. The administration connects the walking center with the main pedestrian zones. It naturally neighbors the nearby recreational spaces of the ancient House of Merchant Vasily Kubrin, where every visitor can find their guiding star.
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How to get there and visit -
The City Square of Astana has a rectangular shape and stretches along Beibitshilik Street from Kenesary Street to Abai Avenue, right bank of the Ishim River, Saryarka district, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°09'55"N 71°25'16"E
The transport accessibility of the site is ideal. City buses No. 1, 9, 17, 25, 31, 32 go to the nearest stop "City Square".
Parking zones are provided for drivers along Beibitshilik Street and the adjacent Saryarka Avenue. Also, to get to the City Square, you can use taxi services via a special mobile application.
Opening hours: 24/7, without days off and lunch breaks. Visiting the open pedestrian zone is completely free.
Contacts: for questions regarding the holding of city-wide holidays, you can contact the city administration. Entrance to the territory is free, and learning about the history and architecture of the complex is free of charge, subject to order.
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History
The history of the creation of the Astana City Square dates back to the end of the nineteenth century. In 1890, Gostiny Ryady (Trading Rows) consisting of two stone buildings were built on the central square of Akmolinsk, where merchants rented shops. In Soviet times, this complex became known as "Zelyonye Ryady" (Green Rows) due to the characteristic color of the doors. In the 1970s, the old buildings were demolished to construct the Central Department Store (TSUM).
At the turn of the eras, in 2000, the Swiss company "Mabetex" carried out a large-scale reconstruction of the building worth 20.5 million dollars, turning it into the prestigious shopping center "Sine Tempore". For a provincial town, this became a grand event, giving the residents true freedom of choice. In 2022, the local authorities bought out the building, placing subordinate organizations of the akimat in it.
With the acquisition of capital status, the significance of the complex increased, and the square was formed by important sites: the buildings of the Parliament, the Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Congress Hall. Having abandoned the burden of unified mandatory requirements, urban planning masters turned this space into a comfortable recreational area. The square remembers the first parades, manifestations, demonstrations, and grand fireworks. Today, this center is proud of a living success story that continues to open the way to friendship and creativity for the younger generation.
Information
The City Square is a multifunctional public space that acts as a key venue for mass events. Within the structure of the complex, ideal conditions have been created for the intellectual, aesthetic, and physical growth of each visitor. Large-scale exhibitions, ethno-festivals, and concerts are traditionally organized here.
Regardless of the vagaries of the weather, every winter the main New Year tree of the right bank is installed on the square, a festive stage is mounted, and an ice town with slides and an ice rink for active recreation of children and adults is built.
For the intellectual development of the citizens, the territory is constantly being modernized. According to a large-scale project of the Center of Urbanism, the pedestrian zone received a major conceptual update and additional greening.
A professional team of city services ensures an individual approach to the improvement of the territory, helping every guest to know the taste of first victories and find their guiding star. The complex is fully equipped with modern materials, illumination systems, and street furniture to ensure a complete cultural process.
Detailed description of the object
The modern infrastructure of the City Square includes specialized areas and sites:
• Pedestrian esplanade – a vast open space paved with durable granite tiles, serving as a venue for public celebrations, where stage mastery is born.
• Tunnel arch fountain – an innovative water site with interactive jets, through the flows of which pedestrians can walk under bright night lighting.
• Dry fountains – a modern hydro-system in which water jets shoot straight out from under the surface of the pavement and instantly go back into an underground reservoir.
• "Sphere" art object – a unique central installation that creates the effect of a misty water cloud around itself, being the main highlight of the renewed ensemble.
• Amphitheatre and official zone – a central platform for street performances, festive manifestations, as well as solemn ceremonies in front of the administration buildings.
Architecture
The architectural appearance of the City Square harmoniously combines Soviet civic monumentalism and modern architectural styles. The strict lines of administrative buildings, including the modernized building of the former TSUM and the building of the "Ishim" hotel, emphasize the public status of the site. The entire layout of the open space is subordinated to a convenient scheme of pedestrian flow distribution. The city received a reliable, durable structure made of granite, concrete, and glass, which harmoniously fitted into the panorama of the right bank, neighboring quiet squares and the embankment of the Ishim River.
Legend
Among the residents and old-timers of the city lives an old legend about the "Guiding Star": they say that during the times of old Akmolinsk, when the first stones of Gostiny Ryady were laid, an invisible spark of inspiration lit up over the square, and every person who starts their business or seeks their calling in this historical center is sure to find good luck.
Another legend is connected with the new fountain complex: they believe that if you walk through the jets of the tunnel arch fountain in the summer twilight and make a wish, the water mist around the sphere-shaped art object will take away all hardships, giving people confidence and victory in the most difficult life challenges.
Conclusion
The City Square is a bridge between the glorious past of Tselinograd and the innovative future of Kazakhstan. A visit to this memorial center of city life allows one to feel the spirit of continuity and care that surrounds the younger generation. Thanks to its location near the Monument to Khan Kenesary, the Astana Arbat, and the Central Park, the square remains the main landmark for family and cultural leisure on the right bank. Tourist routes invite everyone to come here to be inspired by the energy of youth and creation.
Interesting attractions nearby:
• Atyrau Pedestrian Bridge;
• Amphitheatre on the Ishim River;
• Ailand Family Recreation Center;
• Ataturk Park;
• Zher-Ana Monument;
• Military History Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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