Ostankino Tower, Moscow

Ostankino Tower, a television and radio tower in Moscow, Russia, is one of the city's most notable landmarks and an engineering marvel of the Soviet era. Standing at a staggering height of 540.1 meters, it was the tallest free-standing structure in the world from 1967 until 1975 and remains the tallest in Europe and the eleventh tallest in the world.

Constructed between 1963 and 1967, Ostankino Tower was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution and to demonstrate the technological prowess of the Soviet Union. Its design features a slender, tapering form with an observation deck and a rotating restaurant, providing visitors with a panoramic view of the expansive Russian capital.

The tower serves as a functional site for telecommunications, broadcasting hundreds of radio and television signals throughout the region. It is a critical part of Moscow's infrastructure, allowing millions to stay connected and informed.

Despite a fire in 2000 that caused significant damage, Ostankino Tower has been restored and continues to be a symbol of Russian innovation. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck to enjoy breathtaking views of Moscow from above. The tower is also a popular spot for thrill-seekers, offering a base jumping platform for authorized jumps.

Open to tourists throughout the year, the tower provides a unique perspective of Moscow during both day and night. In the evenings, the structure is illuminated, making it a prominent feature of the city's skyline. Access to the observation decks is primarily through high-speed elevators, designed to accommodate the large number of visitors drawn to this architectural giant.