Young Metropolis Offers Futuristic Architecture, Cultural Highlights, and Spiritual Sites
On the approach to Astana, a futuristic skyline suddenly emerges from the vast steppe landscape of Kazakhstan, seemingly out of nowhere. Many first-time visitors to the city may well rub their eyes, briefly wondering whether this utopian-looking vision is real or merely a mirage. Yet this ensemble of modern architecture – with its brightly glittering roofs and facades, interwoven with green spaces and the Ishim River – is, in fact, a tangible reality created by star architects: a young capital city that beckons with a host of exciting discoveries.
The Golden Egg Above the City Rooftops
The 105-meter-tall Baiterek Tower is Astana’s omnipresent landmark. Designed by Sir Norman Foster based on a sketch by the first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the tower stands on 500 piles and symbolizes the mythological Tree of Life – in whose crown, according to legend, the bird Samruk laid an egg. This massive golden sphere serves as the observation deck, situated at a height of 97 meters. This specific elevation was not chosen arbitrarily; rather, it represents the year 1997 – the year the seat of government was relocated from Almaty to Astana. The *Ayala Alakan* art installation on the top floor consists of a gold-encased triangle, the apex of which points toward the Presidential Palace.
A Visit to the Golden Warrior and the Culture of the Steppe Peoples
Located directly on Independence Square, the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan ranks among the country’s most important cultural institutions, offering a comprehensive insight into Kazakhstan’s history, identity, and development. Opened in 2014 and spanning 74,000 square meters – making it the largest museum in Central Asia – the facility comprises a total of 18 exhibition halls and covers the entire span of history from antiquity to the present day. Its most significant archaeological exhibit is considered to be the “Golden Man,” a Saka warrior from the 3rd or 4th century BC whose burial site was furnished with an extraordinary array of gold jewelry and weaponry. The National Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; admission for adults starts at 1,000 Tenge (approximately €1.85). Visitors may also join a guided tour or rent an audio guide.
Spiritual Encounters in Central Asia’s Largest Mosques
More than 70 percent of the Kazakhstani population are Muslims, so it comes as no surprise that Astana is also home to significant religious structures. A key spiritual site is the Central Mosque, built in the Ottoman style. It can accommodate up to 30,000 men and 5,000 women simultaneously for prayer, while another 200,000 worshippers can find space in the courtyard. Its bright interior radiates elegance and dignity. The Hazrat Sultan Mosque impresses with its all-white design – both exterior and interior – and intricate ornamentation, offering space for 10,000 people. Both mosques are open to non-Muslim visitors as well. The Central Mosque even features a minaret that tourists may climb for a small fee.
Shopping, an indoor beach, and much more – all under a giant tent roof.
The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center is a true eye-catcher during any stroll through Astana. This tent-like structure not only looks spectacular but – in the truest sense of the word – has a great deal to offer on the inside. As the region’s first lifestyle center, it brings together shopping, entertainment, and leisure across six floors spanning approximately 127,000 square meters – all beneath a 150-meter-high transparent roof – creating an extraordinary world of experiences. Attractions such as the Sky Beach Club (a weather-independent indoor beach), the massive Fame City indoor playground, a cinema, and numerous events make Khan Shatyr a vibrant meeting place where time simply flies by.
And in the evening to the opera.
Completed in 2013, the Astana Opera was designed modeled after classical opera architecture, enriched with Kazakh motifs. The three-level orchestra pit is designed to accommodate up to 120 musicians, placing it on par with renowned opera houses in other countries. In addition to opera productions, the repertoire includes concerts and ballet performances.
Direct flights to the Kazakh capital
The multi-award-winning airline Air Astana operates daily non-stop flights from Frankfurt to Astana. Travelers from other parts of Germany, as well as from Austria and Switzerland, can also conveniently access Air Astana flights via connecting services. Tickets can be booked at travel agencies, by phone with Air Astana at +49 (0)69 – 770 673 022, or online at www.airastana.com.
