Ala-Too Square
Ала-Тоо аянты
Bishkek's central square, where a towering statue of Manas on horseback, flag-raising ceremonies with hourly changing of the guard, and Soviet-era buildings surround you. It is the best place to start discovering Kyrgyzstan.
Ala-Too Square was built in 1984 and was originally called Lenin Square. It is the centre for parades, celebrations and rallies in Bishkek. On the north side is the State Historical Museum. In front of it, a huge flagpole is guarded by honour guards, and every hour during the day a changing-of-the-guard ceremony takes place, with precise steps that draw tourists to watch. In the centre of the square stands a bronze statue of Manas, the hero of the Kyrgyz epic, on horseback (erected in 2011). The square has previously held statues of Lenin and a “Freedom” goddess. The Lenin statue was moved to a small square behind the museum, marking the nation's historical changes. Around the square are government buildings, the National Theatre and fountains. On summer evenings, local families stroll here and take wedding photos, and music performances are sometimes held on weekends. Admission is free. Getting there: the square is in the city centre, at the intersection of Chuy Prospekt and Erkindik Boulevard. Most hotels in the city are within a 10-minute walk or taxi ride. Note: be careful about taking photos near government buildings and follow the signs. Avoid getting too close to the honour guard during the changing of the guard.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- State Historical Museum
- Oak Park
- White House
- Frunze House Museum
- Panfilov Park
- Erkindik Boulevard
- Gapar Aitiev National Museum of Fine Arts
- Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre