In 2019, a year after its 20th anniversary as the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana changed its name to the current Nur-Sultan in honor of the country's long-time leader who was responsible for Kazakhstan's independence. If you are wondering which city was the capital before Astana, wonder no more, it used to be the beautiful Almaty, which, according to many, should never have lost its title.
Nur-Sultan has the peculiarity of a planned city built in the middle of the desert. Its architectural master plan was designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, one of the founders of the metabolist movement. Perhaps because Nur-Sultan was planned entirely from the very beginning, it has such large avenues and residential areas are scattered throughout the city.
Below are some of the city's attractions that you shouldn't miss when visiting Nur-Sultan.
Bayterek Tower
This tower is the landmark of the city, and its observation deck in the upper sphere offers magnificent views of the city. The 105-meter-high tower was designed by Kazakh architect Akmurza Rustembekov. Its design represents a folk tale according to which a magical bird named Samruk laid its eggs between the branches of a tree connecting heaven to earth. Samruk eggs represent sunlight and new life. For this reason, the tower is called Baiterek, which translated from Kazakh means Tree of Life .
Admission: about 2 euros.
Presidential Palace Ak Orda
Ak Orda is mistakenly called the residence of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This is actually his workplace, and therefore the place where the most important decisions of the country are made. With its blue dome, it is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city. A distinctive feature of the building is the presence of a hall in the shape of a traditional Kazakh yurt.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
This building, also known as the Pyramid of Peace and Counting, was designed by British architect Norman Foster. It is used as a Spiritual Center and houses several Congress Halls designed for summits and conventions organized by various world religions. If you're surprised by this, you shouldn't be. This building makes sense in a city that was awarded the title "City of Peace" by UNESCO in 1999. Religious tolerance is an important issue in Kazakhstan, which is why this building eventually became a symbol of religious tolerance.
Central Concert Hall of Kazakhstan
The Central Concert Hall “Kazakhstan” is a unique complex in the young capital. It was designed by Manfredi Nicoletti to host events of various levels, such as concerts of foreign and national musicians, celebrations and official meetings, exhibitions, conferences, presentations.
Nurzhol Boulevard
Nurzhol Boulevard is a recreational pedestrian area, which is considered the country's national boulevard. It is located on the left bank of the Ishim River, in the business and administrative center of the city. It runs from the Presidential Palace to the Khan Shatyr entertainment center (another Norman Foster building), the total length of which is more than three kilometers. Along the boulevard you will find a number of buildings designed by the most famous national and international architects, as well as a number of beautiful fountains.
Kazakh National University of Arts named after Shabyt
Shabyt Palace is part of the National University of the Arts and has several concert halls, as well as sports and lecture halls. The building stands out from its surroundings with its concave shape. Its turquoise blue body, made of blue glass, also adds to its atypical appearance.
Nur Alem, Future Energy Museum
Nur Alem is an iconic building of Nur-Sultan with a spherical shape, which is also the largest spherical building in the world (height: 100 meters, diameter: 80 meters). It was built in 2017 according to the design of the duo of American architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill for EXPO 2017, held in the capital of Kazakhstan. This huge sphere was the Kazakh Pavilion and Science Museum. The building now houses several cultural objects, including the Future Energy exhibition.
The visitor is shown an elevator to the eighth floor, where the exhibition actually begins. From there, each floor is dedicated to a different type of energy: solar energy, wind energy, space energy, bioenergy, hydropower and kinetic energy. All projects are expected to be implemented in the future in Nur-Sultan.
Admission: about 3 euros.
Monument to the Kazakh Eli
Kazakh Eli means “Country of Kazakhs” and is a tribute to the country’s independence, which is why this stele stands in the center of Independence Square. The monument is 91 meters high, and on its top sits the mythological figure of Samruk (the same bird as in the Baiterek Tower). No wonder the exact height of the stele is 91 meters. This number is a symbol of 1991, the year of independence.
Mangilik el Triumphal Arch
The triumphal arch of Mangilik El (which means “Eternal Country”) was erected in 2011 in honor of the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s independence. As usual in Kazakh architecture, the height of the building (20 meters) was chosen in connection with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of independence. At the top there is an observation deck, which offers a magnificent view of the capital's skyline.
Admission: about 1 euros.
Astana Circus
The silver flying saucer building belongs to the Astana Circus, an entertainment venue in the city of Nur-Sultan, one of the most significant circuses in the country. It employs about 300 people, including artists and staff. The stage has a diameter of 13 meters and is designed for 2000 spectators in the stands. The performers of this circus often make international tours throughout Asia, where they enjoy great success.
Evil, like bookmakers, like cryptocurrency exchanges, like drugs, like quick money. Of course, all this is evil and...