The Ostankino Tower

The Ostankino Tower is one of the most recognizable symbols of Moscow and all of Russia. It is a true masterpiece of architecture and technology, which has been impressing with its scale and functionality for more than half a century. With a height of 540.1 meters, it remains the tallest structure in Europe and ranks 14th in the world. Today, the Ostankino Tower is a center for television and radio broadcasting, as well as a popular tourist attraction that attracts millions of visitors every year.

Construction History

The idea of building a new television tower in Moscow arose in the 1950s, when it became clear that the Shukhov Tower on Shabolovka could no longer cope with the growing demands of television. The signal from the old tower covered only Moscow and the nearest suburbs, but a more powerful solution was needed for the entire country. In 1955, the Council of Ministers of the USSR issued a decree on the construction of a new television center. Initially, it was planned to build the tower in the Cheryomushki district, but due to unsuitable soil, the construction site was moved to Ostankino. The tower's design was developed by the outstanding engineer Nikolai Nikitin. According to legend, he came up with the concept of the tower in just one night, inspired by the image of an inverted lily. Construction began in 1960 and continued for seven years. The tower was officially opened on November 5, 1967, to mark the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution. At the time of its completion, the Ostankino Tower became the tallest in the world, surpassing the previous record holder—the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The Ostankino Tower Today

Today, the Ostankino Tower is not only an important facility for television and radio broadcasting but also a popular tourist attraction. The tower features observation decks that offer panoramic views of Moscow. There is also a restaurant and a museum dedicated to the history of television broadcasting. The Ostankino Tower is a symbol of Moscow and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It attracts attention with its height, unique architecture, and fascinating history.

Architecture and Design

The Ostankino Tower is a true symbol of engineering genius and architectural beauty. Its design, based on the principle of prestressed concrete, makes the tower not only strong but also remarkably stable. This combination of technological boldness and aesthetic harmony sets it apart from other structures. The tower's architecture is meticulously thought out, combining functionality and visual appeal. It consists of three key elements: the base, the shaft, and the spire. The base is designed as a ten-petal structure, which provides the tower with the necessary stability. The shaft, resembling a hollow cylinder, houses technical rooms and elevators that provide access to the heights. The spire, made of metal, not only completes the architectural appearance but also serves as a place for antennas and other equipment.

• Height: 540.1 meters (including the flagpole).
• Weight: 55 thousand tons.
• Foundation: depth of only 4.6 meters, which was a challenge for engineers.
• Supports: 10 "petals" that ensure the stability of the structure.
• Observation decks: located at heights of 337 and 340 meters.

The tower can withstand an earthquake of up to 8 magnitude and hurricane winds with speeds of up to 40 meters per second. The maximum allowable deviation of the tower's top from the vertical is 14 meters, although the actual deviation has never exceeded 6 meters, even during strong hurricanes.

Interesting Facts

• Lightning and wind: The tower attracts lightning—it is struck up to 40 times a year. The top of the tower withstands the strongest winds, and its design allows it to deviate several meters without compromising stability.
• High-speed elevators: The tower's elevators ascend at a speed of 7 meters per second. They are among the fastest elevators in the world.
• Restaurant "7th Heaven": At a height of 328–334 meters, there is a revolving restaurant that completes a full rotation in 40 minutes.
• Fire of 2000: On August 27, 2000, a major fire broke out in the tower, destroying three floors and resulting in the deaths of three people. The restoration of the tower took several years.
• Media facade: In 2014, LED screens were installed on the tower, which are used for festive lighting and advertising.

What to See

Observation Decks:

• An enclosed deck at a height of 337 meters with a transparent floor, offering a panoramic view of Moscow.
• An open deck at a height of 340 meters, operating during the warmer months.

Restaurant "7th Heaven":

The restaurant offers not only exquisite dishes but also a unique opportunity to enjoy views of Moscow from a bird's-eye perspective. On the first floor, there is a museum where you can learn about the history of the tower's construction, its architectural features, and interesting facts.

Gallery of Stars:

In front of the tower's entrance, there is a gallery with the names of famous journalists and TV presenters who have contributed to the development of Russian television.

How to Get There

The Ostankino Tower is located at: Moscow, Akademika Koroleva Street, Building 15, Block 2.

• By metro: The nearest stations are "VDNKh" and "Alekseevskaya." From the "VDNKh" station, you can take buses T36 or T73 to the "Telecenter" stop.
• By car: There is a paid parking lot near the tower.

Visiting Rules

• The tower is open daily from 10:00 to 23:00.
• Tickets can be purchased online on the official website or at the ticket office.
• Separate tickets are required to visit the observation decks and the restaurant.
• Children under 6 years old, pregnant women, and people with limited physical abilities are not allowed on the observation decks.

Conclusion

The Ostankino Tower is not just an engineering marvel but also a symbol of scientific and technological progress and architectural mastery. It continues to be an important center for television and radio broadcasting, as well as one of Moscow's main attractions. Visiting the tower is an opportunity to see the capital from a bird's-eye view, enjoy unique vistas, and feel a part of history.