The Constitution of Kazakhstan Street in Petropavlovsk is the only pedestrian street in the city and, remarkably, the longest pedestrian street in the world.

The street stretches for nearly two kilometers (1.2 mi). For comparison, Strøget in Copenhagen is 1.8 kilometers long and was long considered the world’s longest pedestrian street. Constitution of Kazakhstan Street in Petropavlovsk is about 200 meters longer.

But its length is only part of its charm. The street is lined with old merchant houses, historic buildings, museums, and public spaces. Walking along Constitution of Kazakhstan Street, it is easy to imagine what Petropavlovsk looked like in the 19th century. The street also boasts flower beds, sculptures, fountains, and comfortable benches.

The Walk Begins: Theater and Memorials

The pedestrian street begins at the Russian Drama Theater, whose address fittingly reads: 1 Constitution of Kazakhstan Street.

In front of the theater stands the monument to Karasai Batyr and Agyntai Batyr – legendary Kazakh warriors of the 17th century. Nearby is a small park with an Eternal Flame and memorials dedicated to soldiers who died in World War II. A sign here marks the official beginning of the pedestrian street.

Historic Merchant Mansions

Beyond the theater, the historical part of the street begins.

House No. 2 once belonged to the merchant Grigory Kazantsev, whose shop operated here. His residence stood nearby as well. Kazantsev was a well-known merchant in Petropavlovsk and the grandfather of the Soviet science fiction writer Alexander Kazantsev. The future writer lived in his grandfather’s house for several years.

At the corner of Magjan Jumabayev Street stands the house of merchant Cheremisinov (House No. 12). Built in 1895, the building is a red-brick house whose façade is crowned with ornate gables and small decorative turrets.

Continuing along the street, you’ll see the Dostyk Mall and the Central Department Store (TSUM).

Opposite the department store is the house of merchant Chukanov (No. 20), built in 1890. The ground floor once housed a café, while the merchant’s family lived upstairs. The building also witnessed dramatic events. Fierce fighting took place near it during the Russian Civil War in May-June 1918.

Nearby stands the house of merchant Shafeyev (No. 22). Before the Revolution it belonged to Shakirjan Shafeyev, a grocery merchant. The house is easy to recognize thanks to its beautiful white window frames with intricate carved patterns.

A little farther along stands the Shamsutdinov House (No. 17). Like many buildings on Constitution of Kazakhstan Street, it is constructed of red brick. Together, these merchant houses form a distinctive architectural ensemble.

Central Square

Farther along, the pedestrian street leads to the Central Square – one of the main public spaces of Petropavlovsk.

The square is surrounded by city administration buildings. Major holidays, concerts, and festivals are often held here, and during celebrations the square is especially beautifully decorated.

Library and Museum

Continuing your walk, you will soon see the regional library (building No. 25). Its façade is designed to resemble a bookshelf filled with book spines. In front of the library lies a small park.

A little farther down the street stands the North Kazakhstan Regional Museum of Local History (building No. 48). The museum occupies the former residence of the merchant T. L. Arkel, a 19th-century architectural monument.

Opposite the museum stands another red-brick merchant house. Just behind it is an unusual wooden building – the house of merchant Bazhenov (134 Parkovaya Street). Its distinctive feature is its mixed construction: the first floor is built of brick, while the second floor is wooden.

Park, Fountain, and Catholic Church

Farther along the street you will come to the Dolphins Fountain. Beyond it lies the Park of the First President. At the entrance to the park stands a colonnade and a stele commemorating the 30th anniversary of Victory in World War II. The park itself features shady green alleys, amusement rides, playgrounds, and various entertainment areas.

Continuing your walk along Constitution of Kazakhstan Street, you will soon reach the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This church is the oldest Catholic church in Kazakhstan and is more than a hundred years old. Nearby stands the Independence Stele. From here, the street continues for about another 150 meters before ending at the intersection with Astana Street.

How to Get There?

If you would like to walk the entire street from the very beginning, starting at the Russian Drama Theater, you can take bus routes No. 7 or 23M and get off at the “Pogodin Theater” stop.