Astana, the capital Kazakhstan It features a unique skyline where dazzlingly shiny buildings rise.
These buildings were built only recently, before that Astana was just vast plains.
Today, the city combines nomadic traditions, the Soviet past and a futuristic, forward-thinking present.
So let's get to know, through our guide below, the most beautiful architectural gems that adorn the skyline of this wonderful city.
Amazing architectural structures in Astana
Astana Opera House
Located on the left bank of the Ishim River, the Opera House is distinguished by its aesthetic splendor and distinctive polished architectural structure.
The design blends classic Kazakh styles, especially in relation to the traditional decorations that you will see throughout the building.
What is also surprising is that this luxurious opera house, whose three halls were designed by an Italian architect, was only recently opened in 2013.
The main hall of the theatre is designed to accommodate 1,250 people.
A magnificent 1.6-ton (1.8-ton) crystal chandelier crowns the entrance hall, complemented by magnificent columns made of Sicilian marble.
Opera House and Ballet Theatre
Akorda Presidential Palace, Astana
Akorda Presidential Palace is the official workplace of the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Its lavish structures – notably the blue and gold dome topped by an 80-metre (263-foot) tower – were built in just three years and the palace was officially opened in 2004.
There is also a golden statue above the dome (a sun and an eagle flying under it).
Acorda Presidential Palace
Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall
The shape of the central concert hall immediately conjures up similarities to the Sydney Opera House. Famous, but there is a different story behind this design.
The building's curved outer walls not only help protect its interior from harsh weather conditions (Astana is the second coldest capital in the world), but also symbolize flower petals, a metaphor for the vitality of music.
The building contains three different music halls.
The main hall can accommodate 3,500 people, making it one of the largest halls of its kind.
Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall
Bayterek Tower
This 33-storey building towers over the city skyline at a height of 97 metres (318 feet).
While it's not the tallest building in the city, it's certainly the most famous.
The design idea of the building was inspired by the local Kazakh culture and traditions, where the building symbolizes the sacred Tree of Life.
An interesting feature is the huge ball that sways noticeably during strong winds.
Bayterek Tower
Khan Shater Entertainment Center
Spanning 35 acres (14 hectares), the 150-metre (about 500 feet) high, translucent tent is the largest in the world.
Unveiled in 2006 (everything in this city is shiny new), this building is made of an innovative heat-absorbing material.
Making it able to provide a summer environment indoors, despite harsh winter conditions where temperatures drop below 30°C (-22°F) outside.
While it is primarily an entertainment complex, featuring a huge shopping mall, it also has a sandy beach surrounded by palm trees and giant swimming pools as well.
Khan Shater Entertainment Center
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
A variation on Astana's unique skyline, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is a 77-metre (252-foot) tall pyramid built by a Turkish architectural firm in late 2006.
This Pyramid of Peace embodies the spirit of Kazakhstan, symbolizing the coexistence of different cultures, traditions and nationalities in peace and harmony.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
Nur Astana Mosque
This mosque is the largest mosque in the country, and also the largest mosque in Central Asia.
The mosque was built between 2005 and 2008.
It is 40 metres high up to the dome, symbolising the age at which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the revelation from God Almighty in the Cave of Hira.
Its height, including the four minarets, is 63 metres, which symbolises the age at which the Messenger of God (may God bless him and grant him peace) passed away.
Nur Astana Mosque
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