Palace of Culture and Science

237-metre skyscraper in central Warsaw, built between 1952 and 1955 on Stalin's orders as a Soviet gift to the Polish people. Architect Lev Rudnev took up the style of Moscow's Seven Sisters and combined it with Polish Renaissance attic motifs to anchor the building ideologically. It remains Poland's tallest building and the most striking symbol of the Stalin era in Warsaw - controversial among many Poles, accepted by others as a skyline landmark. Inside are theatres, cinemas, museums, a swimming pool and a congress hall. The observation terrace on the 30th floor at 114 metres is reached by express lift and offers, in clear weather, a view across the entire city.