Ala-Too Square, Bishkek

Among the most beautiful historical sites in Kyrgyzstan, the Ala-Too Square is the most notable place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital city. It was built in 1984 and serves as Bishkek's primary square. This iconic Kyrgyzstan monument was created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Kyrgyz SSR; the statue of Lenin was the first to be installed on the Ala-Too Square, and since then, monuments of the world's most prominent people have been placed there. It serves as the focal place for all official state events and is one of Kyrgyzstan's most visited sites.

Ala-Too Square, clean and majestic, is the focal point of public life in the capital, with a monument to liberty and a massive equestrian statue of Manas, the hero of the 17th-century epic, placed on a tall red marble pedestal against a backdrop of the State Historical Museum. With terraced pools, musical fountain presentations, and chairs strewn across the area, it's a popular hangout for families. A memorial to the legendary writer Chingiz Aitmatov can also be found in the square. Take a walk around and see the enormous architecture, or observe the changing of the guards at the base of a massive 45 m (148 ft) pole flying the Kyrgyzstan flag.

Address: Chuy Ave, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan