Webcam with a view of Ala-Too Square, Bishkek
Ala-Too Square stands at the heart of Bishkek, serving as the central square of Kyrgyzstan’s capital.
Encircling it, you’ll find notable landmarks like the State Historical Museum, the People’s Friendship Monument, Oak Park featuring the Open-Air Sculpture Museum, and St. Nicholas Church, which happens to be the city’s oldest structure.
Initially, a Lenin monument graced this square from 1984 to 2003 before being moved to Old Square. In its place emerged the captivating “Erkindik” sculpture, portraying a winged woman symbolizing freedom.
She once held a tunduk, a round frame of a Kyrgyz yurt, above her head. Later in 2011, this sculpture made way for a monument honoring “Aikol Manas” the hero of the local epic, reaching an impressive height of 10 meters in bronze. The same year witnessed the unveiling of a monument dedicated to Chingiz Aitmatov. Additionally, in 2012, a black and white monument was added to commemorate the anniversary of the April 2010 events and a 2002 demonstration tragedy in Bishkek.
Prominently adorning the square is a towering 45-meter flagpole proudly displaying the State flag measuring 10×15 meters. Adjacent to it, a ceremonial changing of the guard takes place.