Welcome to the capital of Kyrgyzstan! We’re in luck – there are many Soviet gems still to be found here. We have created a 8.7km self-guided walk in the city which covers most (and the best!) of them.
Introduction
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is a treasure trove of Soviet-era public art, mosaics, and monumental architecture. This self-guided walking tour takes you through some of the city’s most striking Soviet remnants, from grand mosaics to imposing monuments, giving you a glimpse into the USSR’s lasting influence on the city’s urban landscape
Tour Overview
- Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours
- Distance: Around 8 km
- Highlights: 16 stops in total: Soviet mosaics, monuments ,and historic Soviet-era buildings
- Start & End Points: Victory Square to Osh Bazaar (closes at 5PM)
A Google Maps link for the whole tour and a downloadable GPX file are available at the bottom of this page!
1. Victory Square (Starting Point)
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Begin your tour at Victory Square, home to an imposing World War II memorial – featuring a massive granite arch with an eternal flame at its center. Built in 1985 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, this site embodies the Soviet style of grand, solemn war memorials.
2. Kyrgyz State Circus
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A short walk west leads you to the Kyrgyz State Circus, an iconic circular structure reflecting classic modernist architecture. Originally designed as a permanent space for traveling circuses, it remains a cultural landmark of Bishkek. Recently, it has undergone renovation, making sure the architectural marvel can be enjoyed for many generations to come. Continue walking westwards along Frunze Street.
3. Wedding Palace
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This striking Brutalist structure is where many Kyrgyz citizens have historically registered their marriages. Its unique Soviet-era aesthetic makes it a notable stop for architecture enthusiasts. In front stands an impressive (though out of order) mosaic fountain. It’s possible to also visit the inside of the palace, and if you’re lucky you can peep inside the main wedding hall – it has a stunning stained glass window still featuring a Soviet hammer and sickle emblem!Â
4. Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre
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Take Yusup Abdrahmanov Street all the way down the city’s main avenue: Chuy Ave. On the left, you’ll pass the National Opera and Ballet Theatre. Designed in the grand Soviet classical style, this opera house was built in the 1950s and remains one of Bishkek’s key cultural institutions. The building’s neoclassical columns and intricate detailing reflect socialist ambitions to spread high culture.
5. Revolution Militants Square
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Before going right on Chuy Avenue, you will pass The Martyrs of the Revolution monument, on a plain square. You’re at the Revolution Militants Square, which stands as a testament to the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of a brighter future. It was erected in 1978, and serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and aspirations of the revolutionary era.
6. Kinotheater “Ala-too”
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Following Chuy Avenue, you will pass a not-to-miss personal favourite on the right side. The crescent shaped entrance of the theatre features, among others, a coloured relief of a cosmonaut, a hammer and a sickle, a star and elements of the soviet everyday life.
7. Ala-Too Square
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Continue walking down Chuy Avenue to arrive in the hear of Bishkek: Ala-Too Square. It was originally built in 1984 and received the name “Lenin Square”. Although the Lenin statue has been moved, the square still retains its Soviet layout and grand architectural scale, serving as a key gathering place for national events.
8. Vladimir Lenin Statue
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Behind the towering monument of Manas and his horse, stands the Kyrgyz State History Museum. Walk to the backside of the Museum to find Lenin standing tall and confidently. An impressive sight reminding us of the complex history of the region. The statue is made of bronze and stands over ten metres tall, weighing about 20 tonnes. More info can be found here.
9. National Academic Drama Theatre
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Another example of monumental Soviet architecture is the National Drama theater. It showcases classic Soviet design with grand facades and a strong emphasis on cultural significance. When looking at Lenin, it’s the building behind Orozbekov Street, on your right hand side. We recommend walking around, as two concrete frescoes adorn its sides.
10. Mikhail Frunze Museum
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Walk down Abdumomunov Street and go left on Razzakov Street (located between the Government Palace on the left and the Supreme Court of Kyrgyz Republic on the right). A museum, dedicated to Mikhail Frunze, a Bolshevik military leader born in Bishkek, will appear on the next crossing. The museum offers an excellent insight into Kyrgyzstan’s Soviet past and has an extensive collection of relics from the early communist period. We highly recommend a visit!
11. The “Our Work to You, Motherland” Mosaic
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Go westbound on Frunze street, towards the backside of Panvilof park. Continue until Toglok Moldo St and head right. A stunning blue roofed Russian orthodox Church will appear. The inside is beautiful, featuring painted walls and many icons and relics. After the church, head westbound again (to your right if you have visited the church), and follow Jibek Jolu street for 200 meters. A dynamic Soviet-era mosaic will stand out brightly. Dubbed “Our Work to You, Motherland”, the artwork pays tribute to workers and their contribution to the socialist state. A more detailed description of the work can be found here.
12. The round-pebbled “Labour” Mosaic
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Follow Jibek Jolu street and go left on Isanov Street. Follow it until we reach the famed Chuy Avenue again. Don’t go on Chuy though – right at the crossing is a hidden gem to be admired! Crafted from rounded pebbles, which is unique during that period, a soviet mosaic stands tall. More info can be found here.
13. The city hall and International University of Kyrgyzstan
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After the Labour mosaic, head back on Chuy Avenue and follow the street until you arrive at a stunning trifecta of Soviet buildings! The Bishkek city hall features blue on its facade, and facing it is the International University of Kyrgyzstan. You’ll also notice the Alley of the Youth running alongside the university. Follow the Alley.
14. The “Enlightenment” Mosaic by Satar Aitirv
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Head left at the Nation Fathers Monument. The next stop is located further ahead on this street (Ryskulov street). Being one of Bishkek’s most stunning Soviet mosaics, this piece captures the idealized Soviet vision of progress and transformation. The intricate work and vivid colors in the style of a Van Gogh, make it a must-see! You can find the meaning of its composition here.
15. Lenin is with Us
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Keep going on Ryskulov street until you hit Jash Gvardiya street, go left on it. Walk straight for about 10 minutes, until you see a colourful mural on your right. You’ve now arrived at the mosaic “Lenin is with us”. Some benches are found there as well, serving as a perfect resting spot for those in need.
16. Osh Bazaar (End Point)
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Conclude your tour at Osh Bazaar, a bustling market where you can soak in the local atmosphere and try traditional Kyrgyz food. While not explicitly Soviet, it remains an essential part of Bishkek’s cultural fabric. To reach it, follow Toktogul Street – the market is on the right hand side. It closes at 5PM.
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