Old Square and Government House, Bishkek
Old Square is a prominent public square located in the heart of Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. Its construction began in 1936 to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the October Revolution, and despite the challenges posed by the Great Patriotic War, the square was finally completed in 1954.
One of the notable structures in Old Square is the Government House, which was constructed in 1957. This historic building served as the meeting place for the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kirghizia and the Council of Ministers of the Kyrgyz SSR. With its grand architecture adorned with classic columns, the Government House stands as an impressive landmark in Bishkek. However, it is regrettable that the building is not accessible to the public, and its interior remains closed to visitors.
The square underwent a significant reconstruction project in 1964, led by renowned Soviet architect Yevgeny Pisarskoi. This endeavor aimed to revitalize and improve the square's overall appearance and functionality. By 1970, the square had been enriched with the addition of a city theater, further enhancing its cultural significance and providing a venue for various performances and events.
During the Soviet era, Old Square played a crucial role in hosting military parades and political rallies, symbolizing the power and achievements of the Soviet Union. However, with the opening of Ala-Too Square in 1984, which became the new central square of the city, Old Square gradually diminished in importance and saw reduced usage over the years.
In June 2016, a group of private investors took the initiative to renovate Old Square as a gift to the city of Bishkek. This project aimed to restore the square's historical and cultural value, creating an attractive and revitalized public space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
One of the notable structures in Old Square is the Government House, which was constructed in 1957. This historic building served as the meeting place for the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kirghizia and the Council of Ministers of the Kyrgyz SSR. With its grand architecture adorned with classic columns, the Government House stands as an impressive landmark in Bishkek. However, it is regrettable that the building is not accessible to the public, and its interior remains closed to visitors.
The square underwent a significant reconstruction project in 1964, led by renowned Soviet architect Yevgeny Pisarskoi. This endeavor aimed to revitalize and improve the square's overall appearance and functionality. By 1970, the square had been enriched with the addition of a city theater, further enhancing its cultural significance and providing a venue for various performances and events.
During the Soviet era, Old Square played a crucial role in hosting military parades and political rallies, symbolizing the power and achievements of the Soviet Union. However, with the opening of Ala-Too Square in 1984, which became the new central square of the city, Old Square gradually diminished in importance and saw reduced usage over the years.
In June 2016, a group of private investors took the initiative to renovate Old Square as a gift to the city of Bishkek. This project aimed to restore the square's historical and cultural value, creating an attractive and revitalized public space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bishkek. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Old Square and Government House on Map
Sight Name: Old Square and Government House
Sight Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (See walking tours in Bishkek)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (See walking tours in Bishkek)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Create Your Own Walk in Bishkek
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bishkek is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Soviet Era Architecture and Monuments Tour
While nomadic communities of yurt-living, horse-riding sheep herders are still thriving in the most remote valleys of Kyrgyzstan, the capital city of Bishkek shows a different facet of this Central Asian nation.
Built practically from scratch during the Soviet era, Bishkek experienced significant transformation in terms of urban planning and is packed to the rim with a well-preserved... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Built practically from scratch during the Soviet era, Bishkek experienced significant transformation in terms of urban planning and is packed to the rim with a well-preserved... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Bishkek Introduction Walking Tour
The capital city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, is set against the picturesque backdrop of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level.
Compared to other major cities in Central Asia, Bishkek has a relatively short history. It was founded in 1825, as the Pishpek fortress, during the Russian colonization of the region. The fortress served as an administrative... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Compared to other major cities in Central Asia, Bishkek has a relatively short history. It was founded in 1825, as the Pishpek fortress, during the Russian colonization of the region. The fortress served as an administrative... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles