Tallest Buildings in Russia: Exploring 30 Most Iconic Buildings

Russia Skyline photo by Pasquale Paolo Cardo

Ever wondered how Russia’s skyline reflects its rich architectural heritage alongside cutting-edge modern designs? If you’re fascinated by iconic buildings, this article is your gateway to exploring Russia’s most impressive structures.

Struggling to identify Russia’s architectural highlights? You’re not alone. Many enthusiasts face this challenge. Here to be your guide, we present a curated list of Russia’s tallest and most stunning buildings. With our expertise in architecture, we share your passion and aim to deepen your appreciation.

What you’ll discover:

  • Historical landmarks like Moscow State University
  • Modern skyscrapers such as the Lakhta Center
  • Unique structures like the Mercury City Tower

Join us as we explore these landmarks that define Russia’s skyline and enrich your understanding of its architectural legacy.

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Historic Tall Buildings

Saint Petersburg Skyline photo by Stadtfuchs

Russia is home to some of the tallest buildings in the world, but its architectural heritage also includes a number of historical tall buildings. Many of these buildings were originally constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries, highlighting their architectural and historical significance. Here are two of the most iconic historical tall buildings in Russia:

1. Moscow State University

Moscow State University photo by I.s.kopytov

Moscow State University is one of the oldest and largest universities in Russia. Its main building, located on Sparrow Hills, is a prime example of Stalinist architecture and one of the tallest buildings in Moscow. Completed in 1953, the building stands at 240 meters (787 feet) and features a distinctive spire with a star on top. The building’s façade is adorned with sculptures and reliefs depicting various aspects of Soviet life.

2. Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral photo by Visem

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is a historic Russian Orthodox Church cathedral located inside the Peter and Paul Fortress in Saint Petersburg. Completed in 1733, the cathedral’s spire was the tallest structure in the city until the completion of the Cathedral of Saint Isaac in 1858. The cathedral stands at 122.5 meters (402 feet) in total height, including its spire and cross. It houses the remains of many members of the Romanov dynasty, including Peter the Great.

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Modern Skyscrapers

Saint Petersburg Skyline photo by Anton Galakhov

Russia is home to some of the most famous buildings in the world. These buildings embody modern architecture, showcasing futuristic and technologically advanced designs. In this section, we will explore the five modern skyscrapers that have made a significant impact on the skyline of the country.

3. Lakhta Center

Lakhta Center photo by Ad Meskens

Lakhta Center, located in Saint Petersburg, is currently the tallest building in Russia and Europe, standing at 462 meters (1,516 feet). The building has 87 floors and is primarily used for office space. Designed by Tony Kettle, with contributions from the Russian architectural firm Gorproject, it officially opened in 2019. The Lakhta Center has a unique twisted shape and a glass facade, making it a standout structure in the city. As one of the iconic structures, it highlights the architectural and cultural significance of modern skyscrapers.

4. Federation East Tower

Federation Towers photo by Igor3188

The Federation East Tower, located in Moscow, is the second-tallest building in Russia, standing at 374 meters (1,227 feet). The tower has 95 floors and is primarily used for office space. It was designed by Sergei Tchoban and Peter Schweger and officially opened in 2017. The Federation Tower is part of the Moscow International Business Center and is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline.

5. OKO Towers

OKO Towers photo by Krassotkin

The OKO Towers, also located in Moscow, consist of two towers, standing at 354 and 245 meters, respectively. The South Tower has 85 floors and is primarily used for office space and residential purposes, while the North Tower has 49 floors and is used for hotel and office space. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the towers officially opened in 2015. The OKO Towers are part of the Moscow International Business Center and are known for their unique shape and glass facade.

6. Mercury City Tower

Mercury City Tower photo by Igor3188

Mercury City Tower, located in Moscow, is currently the third-tallest building in Russia, standing at 338.8 meters (1,112 feet). The building has 75 floors and is primarily used for residential and office space. It was designed by Frank Williams in collaboration with Mikhail Posokhin and officially opened in 2013. The Mercury City Tower is part of the Moscow International Business Center and is known for its distinctive golden-orange facade, blending modern and classical architectural elements.

7. Neva Towers

Neva Towers photo by kishjar?

Neva Towers, located in Moscow, consist of two towers, standing at 345 and 306 meters, respectively. The towers have 79 and 63 floors and are primarily used for residential and office space. They were designed by HOK in collaboration with FXCollaborative and officially opened in 2020. The Neva Towers are known for their unique shape and glass facade and are a prominent feature of the city’s skyline.

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Residential Buildings

Yekaterinburg
Yekaterinburg Skyline photo by M. M. Czarnecki

8. Capital Towers

Capital Towers photo by Igorkhait

Capital Towers is a residential complex located in Moscow‘s International Business Center. The complex consists of three towers: Capital Tower, Park Tower, and City Tower. Each tower stands at 295 meters with 66 floors, except for City Tower, which stands at 270 meters with 62 floors. Capital Towers is known for its luxury apartments and modern design, making it a highly sought-after place to live.

9. Triumph Palace

Triumph Palace photo by A.Savin

Triumph Palace is one of the most famous buildings in Moscow, known for its significance as a residential skyscraper. Completed in 2005, it stands at approximately 264 meters (866 feet) with 57 floors. At the time of its completion, Triumph Palace was one of the tallest residential buildings in Europe. The skyscraper has a distinctive architectural style characterized by a traditional rectangular shape. It includes amenities such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and underground parking facilities.

10. House on Mosfilmovskaya

House on Mosfilmovskaya photo by Ludvig14

The House on Mosfilmovskaya is a residential building located in Moscow. Completed in 2015, it stands at approximately 213 meters (699 feet) with 54 floors. The building features a modern design and includes amenities such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and underground parking. The House on Mosfilmovskaya is renowned for its luxury apartments and offers stunning views of the city.

11. Iset Tower

Iset Tower photo by Counterfeit

Iset Tower, a residential skyscraper in Yekaterinburg, was completed in 2018. Standing at 209 meters with 52 floors, it features a distinctive round design, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. The tower is known for its unique architectural style, which stands out in the cityscape.

12. Sparrow Hills

Sparrow Hills photo by Gennady Grachev

Sparrow Hills, also known as Vorobyovy Gory, is a residential complex located in Moscow. The complex comprises seven buildings, with a total of 1,039 apartments. Building 1 and Building 3 each stand at 155 meters with 44 floors, while Building 2 is 188.2 meters tall with 49 floors. Building 4 is 55 meters high with 28 floors, and Buildings 5, 6, and 7 have 25, 23, and 20 floors respectively. Completed in 2004, Sparrow Hills is known for its modern design and luxury apartments, making it a highly sought-after place to live.

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Commercial and Office Buildings

Moscow Skyline photo by Dmitry Chistoprudov

13. Grand Tower Moscow

Grand Tower photo by Igorkhait

The Grand Tower in Moscow, designed by Werner Sobek, is a skyscraper complex built over an existing basement structure. It features a base building that is 65 meters high, topped by two slender, curved twin towers connected by light bridges. The complex stands 275 and 283 meters tall with 50 floors, including 12 two-story levels. The towers are used for offices, while the base includes parking, a spa, a restaurant, shops, and a conference area.

14. Naberezhnaya Towers

Naberezhnaya Towers photo by Igorkhait

The Naberezhnaya Towers are a complex of three skyscrapers located in the Moscow International Business Center. The complex includes the 17-story Tower A, the 27-story Tower B, and the 59-story Tower C. The tallest of the three, Naberezhnaya Tower C, stands at 268.4 meters and has 59 floors. The towers are primarily used as office spaces, with a total of 254,000 square meters of rentable area.

15. Evolution Tower

Evolution Tower photo by Igorkhait

The Evolution Tower, also known as the City Palace Tower, is a 246-meter-tall skyscraper located in Moscow City. The tower is one of the most famous buildings in the city, known for its unique design resembling a DNA helix. It is primarily used as office space, offering a total of 82,000 square meters of rentable area.

16. Vysotsky

Vysotsky photo by A.Savin

Vysotsky is a mixed-use skyscraper located in Yekaterinburg, the fourth-largest city in Russia. The tower stands at 188.3 meters tall, with 54 floors above ground and three floors below. The building primarily serves as office space and includes a luxury hotel component. The hotel, situated on the upper floors, offers 193 rooms with stunning views of the city. Additionally, the skyscraper features an observation deck on the 52nd floor, providing panoramic views of Yekaterinburg​

17. Nordstar Tower

Nordstar Tower photo by Sergey Korovkin 84

Nordstar Tower is a 268-meter-tall skyscraper located in Moscow City. The tower features a unique architectural design that distinguishes it from other buildings in the area. It is primarily used as office space, providing a total of 109,000 square meters of rentable area. Additionally, the tower includes a public observation deck on the top floor, offering panoramic views of the city.

Mixed-Use Buildings

Moscow Skyline photo by Igorkhait

Mixed-use buildings are becoming increasingly popular in Russia, especially in the capital city of Moscow. These buildings combine residential, commercial, and office spaces in one structure, making them convenient and functional for residents and businesses alike. Below are some of the most iconic mixed-use buildings in Russia.

18. Eurasia

Eurasia photo by Ninara

Eurasia, also known as Steel Peak, is a 308.9 m (1,013 ft) supertall skyscraper located on plot 12 of the Moscow International Business Center (MIBC) in Russia. The mixed-use skyscraper occupies a total area of 207,542 square meters and houses offices, apartments, a hotel, and a fitness center. Construction of Eurasia started in 2006 and was completed in 2014.

19. City of Capitals

City of Capitals photo by CommunistSquared

The City of Capitals is a complex of two towers located in Moscow. The taller tower, Moscow Tower, stands at 301.8 meters (990 ft) tall, while the shorter tower, St. Petersburg Tower, stands at 257 meters (843 ft) tall. The towers house offices, apartments, and a shopping center.

20. IQ-Quarter

IQ-quarter photo by Igorkhait

The IQ-Quarter, located in the Moscow International Business Center in Moscow, Russia, is a mixed-use complex comprising three towers with heights of 177.4 meters, 114 meters, and 85 meters. Completed in 2016, it features office spaces, residential units, hotels, and retail areas, offering a comprehensive urban living and working environment in a prime location.

21. Sberbank City

Sberbank City photo by Igorkhait

Sberbank City in Moscow, Russia, is a newly opened multifunctional complex as of November 2021. The complex comprises five buildings, including two prominent skyscrapers: Tower A, standing at 193 meters (632 feet), and Tower B, reaching 168 meters (550 feet). Designed to accommodate offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and cafés, Sberbank City spans a total floor area of 207,700 m².

22. Imperia Tower

Imperia Tower photo by Ninaras

Imperia Tower is a mixed-use skyscraper located in Moscow. It stands at 239.5 meters (785 ft) tall and houses offices, apartments, and a shopping center. The building is known for its distinctive curved shape and glass facade.

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Iconic and Unique Structures

23. Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building

Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building photo by Alx0yago

The Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building is a prominent example of Stalinist architecture in Moscow, symbolizing Russian power and its historical significance. Completed in 1952, it was the tallest residential building in Europe at the time, standing at 176 meters with 32 floors. The building consists of four wings that converge at a central tower, creating a distinctive shape that resembles a star. The building’s façade is adorned with intricate details and sculptures, including depictions of Soviet workers and peasants.

24. Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs photo by Frank Baulo

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a grandiose building located in the heart of Moscow. Completed in 1953, it was designed by the renowned Soviet architect Dmitry Chechulin. The building’s facade is made of gray granite and features a series of columns and arches that give it a neoclassical appearance. The interior is equally impressive, with marble floors, ornate chandeliers, and a grand staircase. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stands approximately 172 meters (564 ft) tall. It is still in use today as the headquarters of Russia’s diplomatic service, making it one of Moscow’s iconic structures.

25. Hotel Ukraina, Moscow

Hotel Ukraina photo by Gennady Grachev

The Hotel Ukraina is a landmark hotel located on the banks of the Moskva River in Moscow. Comparable in grandeur to the Catherine Palace, the Hotel Ukraina stands as proof of opulent Russian architecture. Completed in 1957, it was the tallest hotel in the world at the time, standing at 206 meters with 34 floors. The building’s façade is made of pink granite and features a series of arches and balconies. The interior is equally impressive, with a grand lobby, a ballroom, and a restaurant that offers panoramic views of the city.

26. Edelweiss

Edelweiss photo by Ctac

Edelweiss is a distinctive residential tower in Moscow, standing 157 meters (515 feet) tall with a 19-meter (62-foot) spire. Completed in 2012 as part of Moscow’s “The New Circle of Moscow” program, it blends modern design with echoes of the Seven Sisters style. Designed by Andrey Skorobogatov, Edelweiss offers high-rise living and extensive recreational amenities, including an aquapark, gymnasium, bowling center, and billiards rooms, enhancing the lifestyle of its residents.

27. Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy

Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy photo by Kolpaky

Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy stands approximately 163 meters tall, is a luxury hotel located in Moscow. Completed in 2005. The building’s façade is made of glass and features a series of curved and angled surfaces that create a dynamic and futuristic appearance. The interior is equally impressive, with a grand lobby, a restaurant, and a spa that offers panoramic views of the city.

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Future Projects

28. Lakhta Center II

Lakhta Center II photo by Kettle Collective

Lakhta Center II is a proposed skyscraper located in St. Petersburg, Russia, slated to become one of Europe’s tallest buildings upon completion. Planned to reach a height of 703 meters (2,306 feet) with 150 floors, it will be part of the Lakhta Center complex. The project, expected to be completed by 2030, aims to serve as a prominent office building, utilizing a structural design of steel over concrete.

29. One Tower

One Tower photo by skuratov

One Tower, also known as MIBC Plot 1, is a proposed skyscraper in Moscow, Russia. It is planned to reach a height of 405.3 meters (1,330 feet) with 108 floors, making it one of the tallest buildings in Russia and Europe. The tower, designed for residential and office use, is currently on hold. It is situated at 1-y Krasnogvardeyskiy pr d within the Moscow International Business Center (MIBC) complex, which already includes several notable skyscrapers.

30. Akhmat Tower

Akhmat Tower photo by smithgill

The Multifunctional Highrise Complex – Akhmat Tower is a proposed skyscraper in Grozny, Russia. It is planned to reach a height of 435 meters (1,427 feet) with 102 floors, making it one of the tallest buildings in Russia. The tower is currently on hold. Designed for residential and office use, Akhmat Tower is constructed with all-steel structural material. More information can be found on its official website, Smart Building.

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Tallest Buildings in Russia: A Recap

Downtown Moscow photo by Trey Ratcliff

Russia’s architectural landscape is defined by a blend of historical grandeur and modern innovation showcased in its skyscrapers and landmarks. From the iconic Moscow State University and Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral to the futuristic Lakhta Center and evolving Moscow City skyline, these structures not only symbolize technological prowess but also reflect Russia’s cultural and historical significance.

As future projects like Lakhta Center II and One Tower aim to redefine its skyline, Russia continues to stand as a global hub of architectural marvels, blending tradition with cutting-edge design on a monumental scale.

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