Ostankino TV Tower looks out over Russia’s capital city from its staggering height, while delivering broadcasts from numerous television stations to Russian homes. Take the trip to its observation platform for live entertainment in the form of great views.
A key feature in the Moscow skyline since 1967, the TV tower is one of the highest freestanding buildings in the world. It is the product of architect Nicolai Nikitine, but Soviet premier Nikita Khruschev drastically altered it in the planning stage. This led to its architect putting his hat underneath a foundation stone, a symbolic bow to the master. Stand at its base to appreciate the sheer scale of the project that had a final price tag of $65 million.
Gaze upward at the very tall structure, which reaches a height of 1,770 feet (540 metres). Despite weighing more than 55,000 tons (50,000 tonnes), it is surprisingly delicate in design, rising into a fine needle shape above Moscow. Its size is matched only by its broadcasting ability, serving 20 TV channels and a similar number of outlets using radio technology.
Climb to the observation deck for excellent views of the city. Don’t worry about the stairs an elevator will deliver you to the top in under a minute. You may be able to see up to 12 miles (20 kilometres) from the tower at the observatory, which is 1,105 feet (337 metres) above Moscow. Peer through the patch of glass floor to the ground far below.
Book ahead if you want to visit the Ostankino TV Tower. Be sure to have your passport with you. Tours run every hour. There is an entry fee for this attraction, which is open Tuesday to Sunday. The nearest metro station is the VDNKh stop.