Ostankino Tower

The Ostankino Tower is the tallest structure in Europe and was the tallest free-standing structure in the world from 1967 to 1975, originally 540 metres high. Designed by Soviet engineer Nikolai Nikitin as a self-supporting prestressed concrete shaft, it was a technological showpiece of the USSR, completed in time for the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution. A serious fire in August 2000 destroyed large parts of the cable systems and forced a years-long rebuild that overhauled lifts and safety. Today visitors ride to the observation deck at 337 metres, complete with a glass floor, and dine in the historic Sedmoye Nebo revolving restaurant. Booking ahead with passport ID is required; the tower stands about eight kilometres north of central Moscow, next to the Ostankino Palace and VDNKh park.