My first sunny day and I decide to head straight for the centre of the city. Here sits a structure that pops up in almost every Google image of this capital city. Surrounding it are a plethora of innovative modern buildings, statues, green space and more. Beautiful Baiterek & Nurzhol Blvd in Astana Kazakhstan is definitely worth a day of exploration.
Baiterek
Take your YandexGo ride directly to Baiterek and let’s begin the adventure there. Astana became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997 and a symbol of that new change is this 105-metre-tall monument. On the 97th floor is an observation tower from which visitors can see the vastness of the city, sprawling out onto the Great Steppe.
Baiterek symbolizes the Tree of Life and nestled in her branches is a giant golden egg laid by the magical bird named Samruk. Walking around the base I cannot get enough of this unusual and futuristic monument that has become the prominent icon of the city.
Nurzhol Boulevard
Turning now, we are going to walk the length of Nurzhol Boulevard. This is a wide pedestrian only path that will take us down to Lovers Park and beyond. With several long fountains, quirky statues, gardens and open squares, there is a lot to see and admire.
On either side are modern architectural gems like the egg-shaped National Archive of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Various new malls, cafés, restaurants and the exhibition centre line both sides of the boulevard. People watching and a place to gather and connect are what this space is about.
That massive building at the end of Nurzhol, with the centre arch is called Halyk Bank and just before is a large fountain. We are going to sidestep and head to our right now.
Astana Opera House
Walking towards Dinmukhamed Qonayev St the terrain dips down into a grassy area and I find a pretty vignette of horse statues. The horse is part of the Kazakh identity and in fact might be the most important one. Not only does it provide sustenance for the people, historically and now, but it is part of their culture and folklore. Visitors will notice reference to the horse, just about every where you go in this beautiful country.
Now on the busy street, and to the right is the magnificent Astana Opera House. Its huge! The doors officially opened in 2013 and it is purported to have one of the best theatre acoustics in the world.
Lovers Park
Tearing our gaze from the opera house, we cross the bridge and head right into Lovers Park. I’m sure when the trees are fully leafed, this is an exceptional green space to spend time, picnic and enjoy summer days under the shade. I walk around the paths of this 35-acre park and see the statues and central fountain that was a gift from the Austrian Princess Gabriela von Habsburg. Remembering that this is a young city, these three thousand trees will surely develop in time and fill the space.
Khan Shatyr
Do you remember seeing that pyramid shaped structure peeking through the arch of the Kalyk Bank? That is what we are heading for now. It sits directly in front of Lovers Park, right across the street. And it’s a mall! That 90-metre-high fabric tent, covers a space underneath equivalent to 10 football fields! Inside find shopping, entertainment venues, cobblestone streets, a boating river, mini golf and even a beach resort. Mind blown. The main mast was erected in 2008 and the grand opening was in 2010 in celebration of the 70th birthday of the president.
As much as enjoy walking and exploring this area of the city, it is one singular structure that keeps asking me to look back at it and that is Baiterek. I’m not sure what the fascination is, perhaps it’s the trophy like image or that massive golden egg. The unique shape reaching up into the blue sky is a symbol that will always represent Astana for me and I’m sure many others, visitors and locals alike.
