Ostankino Tower Height – Moscow's Broadcasting Giant
Ostankino Tower rises 1,772 feet (540 meters) above Moscow, standing as Europe's tallest freestanding structure and a symbol of Soviet-era engineering ambition. Completed in 1967, this telecommunications tower was designed to broadcast television and radio signals across the entire Moscow region and remains one of the world's tallest towers, representing a pinnacle of 1960s concrete construction techniques.
Ostankino Tower Quick Facts
- Official Height: 1,772 feet (540 meters)
- Observation Deck: 1,105 feet (337 meters)
- Location: Ostankino District, Moscow, Russia
- Completed: 1967
- Architectural Style: Soviet modernism
- Primary Use: Broadcasting, telecommunications, tourism
Soviet Engineering at 1,772 Feet
Ostankino Tower's 1,772-foot height was achieved through innovative use of prestressed concrete and a unique structural design that distributes weight through a central shaft with ten tapering supports at the base. Designed by Nikolai Nikitin, who completed calculations without computers, the tower features a conical shaft that narrows as it rises, with the top 262 feet consisting of a steel lattice mast supporting broadcasting antennas. The foundation extends 30 feet below ground with a concrete base weighing 55,000 tons.
The tower's construction took just five years, an impressive feat considering the technology available in the 1960s. Over 40,000 tons of concrete were used, with the walls at the base measuring nearly 13 feet thick. The structure can withstand wind speeds up to 200 mph and is designed to sway up to 39 feet at the top in extreme conditions. The tower's distinctive appearance, with its tapering concrete shaft and needle-like spire, became an instant Moscow landmark visible from nearly every part of the city.
Sky-High Restaurant and Observation
At 1,105 feet, Ostankino Tower features one of the world's highest observation decks, offering 360-degree views across Moscow and up to 37 miles on clear days. The tower originally housed the famous "Seventh Heaven" rotating restaurant at 1,082 feet, which completed a full rotation every 40 minutes. Though temporarily closed after a 2000 fire, restoration efforts have maintained the tower's status as both a functional broadcasting facility and tourist attraction, with glass floor sections allowing visitors to look straight down to the ground.
Comparison to Other Tall Structures
| Structure | Height | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| CN Tower | 1,815 ft (553 m) | 43 feet taller |
| Ostankino Tower | 1,772 ft (540 m) | Europe's tallest structure |
| Oriental Pearl Tower | 1,535 ft (468 m) | 237 feet shorter |
| Eiffel Tower | 1,083 ft (330 m) | 689 feet shorter |
Related Broadcasting Towers
Explore heights of other telecommunications towers: CN Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Oriental Pearl Tower, Berlin TV Tower, and Milad Tower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Ostankino Tower?
Ostankino Tower stands at 1,772 feet (540 meters), making it the tallest freestanding structure in Europe and one of the world's tallest telecommunications towers.
When was Ostankino Tower built?
The tower was completed in 1967, built during the Soviet era to broadcast television signals for the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution.
Can you visit Ostankino Tower?
Yes, the observation deck at 1,105 feet is open to visitors, offering panoramic views of Moscow. However, access may be limited at times due to weather or maintenance.
What happened to Ostankino Tower in 2000?
A major fire in August 2000 damaged the tower's elevator shaft and interior, killing three people. The tower remained partially operational for broadcasting but tourist access was restricted for years during restoration.
How does Ostankino Tower compare to the Eiffel Tower?
Ostankino Tower is significantly taller at 1,772 feet compared to the Eiffel Tower's 1,083 feet—a difference of nearly 700 feet. It's also structurally different, being primarily concrete versus the Eiffel Tower's iron lattice.