Europe’s tallest skyscraper: Hidden monument taller than Eiffel Tower

Despite surpassing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and The Shard, it remains relatively unknown

Europe’s tallest skyscraper: Hidden monument taller than Eiffel Tower
Europe’s tallest skyscraper: Hidden monument taller than Eiffel Tower

The Lakhta Centre, located near St. Petersburg, Russia is the tallest skyscraper in Europe, standing at 462 meters.

Despite being taller than well-known landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and The Shardx it remains relatively unknown.

Completed in 2019, it is located 12 km outside St Petersburg on land that was previously undeveloped.

The skyscraper serves as the headquarters for major companies like Gazprom, Russia’s energy giant.

The building is made of glass, with over 16,500 curved glass panels and contains various facilities like a sports center, shops, restaurants and a planetarium.


Europe’s tallest skyscraper: Hidden monument taller than Eiffel Tower

The design of the tower is inspired by a Swedish fort from 1611 which is now part of the modern city.

Europe’s tallest skyscraper: Hidden monument taller than Eiffel Tower

Because of its unusual shape, the construction was highly complex as each floor has a different structure compared to the one above and below it.

Also, the skyscraper, faces a unique challenge due to its close location to the Arctic Circle, where extreme weather conditions are common.

The building rounded design help it resist the effects of strong winds. However the mesh at the top of the building allows wind to pass through which can lead to ice building up.

Related: UK's highest mountain tragedy: Young climber dies in Ben Nevis fall

This ice, if it accumulates enough, could fall from a height of 460 meters, potentially causing danger to people below.

While the building is over 460 meters tall, a large portion of it isn't usable.

Europe’s tallest skyscraper: Hidden monument taller than Eiffel Tower

Specifically, the top 117 meters don't have a practical function and are just there to make the building look taller.

The building was initially intended to be the first of many skyscrapers representing Russia's wealth and success.

However, due to the invasion of Ukraine and the resulting economic decline in Russia, those plans have been put on hold.

Related: Rare George Cross medal discovered at car boot sale heads to auction

Elon Musk’s Tesla purchase by Donald Trump sparks explosive new drama
Elon Musk’s Tesla purchase by Donald Trump sparks explosive new drama
As soon as Elon Musk official role ended, the public fued between him and Trump has taken a personal turn
Lost J.M.W. Turner painting discovered after 150 years set for auction
Lost J.M.W. Turner painting discovered after 150 years set for auction
Experts thought that Turner's first oil painting shown to the public was 'Fishermen at Sea'
Australian navy ship causes havoc across New Zealand
Australian navy ship causes havoc across New Zealand
Parts of New Zealand faced internet issue due to interference by an Australian navy ship on its way to Wellington
World's highest railway bridge inaugurated in India
World's highest railway bridge inaugurated in India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially opened the world's highest railway bridge above Chenab river
Elon Musk makes bombshell claim against Trump: Internet asks real question
Elon Musk makes bombshell claim against Trump: Internet asks real question
Elon Musk and President Donald Trump feud over 'Big, Beautiful Bill' has turned into a personal war
Harvard's foreign students backed by US judge in surprising ruling
Harvard's foreign students backed by US judge in surprising ruling
The Trump administration ban on US entry for foreign students temporarily barred by a US judge
Japan in 'silent emergency' as annual births fall to record low
Japan in 'silent emergency' as annual births fall to record low
Japan observes decline in birth rates for the 16th straight year, raising concern about the shrinking popularity
Michelle Obama drops 'stunning' fashion memoir amid divorce rumours
Michelle Obama drops 'stunning' fashion memoir amid divorce rumours
Michelle says the book is her way of sharing her story through the way she dresses
Elon Musk calls out Donald Trump in explosive feud
Elon Musk calls out Donald Trump in explosive feud
Elon Musk publicly endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 election and invested around $290 million into his campaign
Edgar Lungu, former Zambia president passes away at 68
Edgar Lungu, former Zambia president passes away at 68
Edgar was president from 2015 to 2021, but lost the election in 2021 to the current president, Hakainde Hichilema
Europe’s first rover heads to moon with surprising twist: Red house and scoop
Europe’s first rover heads to moon with surprising twist: Red house and scoop
The rover is so small that it's one of the tiniest and lightest rovers ever made in the world
Maths standards in Wales fall behind UK as schools struggle to raise performance
Maths standards in Wales fall behind UK as schools struggle to raise performance
Positive maths teaching is standing out in one Welsh school despite a national decline in performance