Park of Lovers (Gashyktar Park)
Located in Astana's administrative center, in front of Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center, lies the Park of Lovers or Gashyktar Park. Since its opening in 2005, this small green oasis has flourished amidst the surrounding skyscrapers and architectural marvels of Astana's center.
The park offers an ideal setting for a leisurely family stroll, providing benches where you can pause and relax while admiring the picturesque views. As a popular destination for wedding photo shoots, you may frequently encounter brides and grooms within its grounds. For those embarking on new relationships, be sure to discover the Kissing Bench, while the Bench of Reconciliation beckons visitors to reconcile their differences, designed to bring people seated on opposite ends closer together towards the center.
At the heart of the park, you will find the Fountain of Lovers, a metal structure crafted by renowned sculptor Gabriela von Habsburg. Comprising 16 horseshoes representing four horses, the sculpture symbolizes Kazakhstan's openness to the world, as these horses gallop towards the four corners of the earth, signifying the country's development in all directions.
The park spans 14 hectares and showcases meticulously planned landscaping and small architectural forms. Over three thousand trees, including lindens, pines, birches, poplars, firs, maples, and elms, adorn the park, arranged according to the principles of German landscape construction.
Adding to the park's charm is a bronze sculpture of a couple in love, created by architect Yerbolat Tolepbay. The sculpture, also known as "Bakyttym Menin" (My Happiness), epitomizes eternal love and fidelity, as the young couple appears to stroll along the path, with the girl in a light dress engaged in conversation while the boy gently holds her waist.
Another feature within the park is the composition "Altyn Zhurek" (Golden Heart), symbolizing compassion and assistance to sick and disabled children. Crafted by Chinese artisans, the monument stands as a 10-meter-high bronze heart mounted on a steel pedestal, representing a person's heart overflowing with love.
Numerous decorative structures grace the park, including a white jug, a large inscription that reads "I LOVE ASTANA," and a playground near the park's exit, guaranteed to bring joy to your children's hearts.
How to get there?
To reach the Park of Lovers, board buses #10, 26, 29, 29A, 32, 46, 50, 56, 804, or 808 and alight at the "Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center" stop. The park is conveniently located just across the street from Khan Shatyr.
Other tourist attractions near the park:
- Nurzhol Boulevard
- Astana Opera
- Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center
- Asia Park Shopping Mall
- Round Square
- Korme Exhibition Center
- Abu Nasyr al-Farabi Mosque
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