"Seven Sisters"
When you find yourself in Moscow, you will be amazed by the Stalinist skyscrapers and their impressive height. Although they all seem the same at first glance, you will later discover their unique stories.
You may have never heard of Stalin's skyscrapers, but if you visit Moscow, you won't be able to miss them. They are popularly known as the Seven Sisters and range in height from 134 to 240 meters.
It is a complex of seven megastructures built in Moscow between the 40s and 50s to commemorate the city's 8th century (in 1947). They combine Russian Baroque and Gothic styles with neoclassical ones, and the influence of the architecture of New York skyscrapers of the 30s is also visible.
They have nothing in common with modern skyscrapers located in the Moscow International Business Center.
“Seven Sisters” are located in different parts of Moscow and currently house a university, two hotels, two ministries and two residential buildings.
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Hotels and residential buildings
You can get into the Seven Sisters in the following ways:
- Rent one of the apartments in residential buildings of Stalinist high-rises. Rentals are available on platforms like Hotellook.
- You can also go up to the observation deck of the Ukraine Hotel, which offers stunning views of Moscow.
There are two more skyscrapers that were not built : the gigantic Palace of the Soviets, which was said to be the largest, 415 meters high, topped by a 100-meter statue of Lenin. Also under construction is the Zaryadye administrative building.
The Seven Sisters can be seen from many places in the capital, their main towers stand out for their pointed decoration. In addition, symbols of the era can be seen on the facades, such as the Soviet star (on all buildings except the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and there are also various sculptures and ornaments showing the splendor of the country. Each of these giant skyscrapers is said to have an underground bunker.
On this map you can see the location of each of the seven sisters:
Moscow State University is considered the tallest and most spectacular skyscraper , it is located next to Sparrow Hill (formerly Lenin Hill) and is one of the Seven Sisters.
The building of Moscow State University with antenna reaches a height of 240 meters and has 36 floors. She is the eldest of seven sisters. Construction began in 1949 and was completed in 1953, the building covers an area of approximately 187 hectares.
It was the tallest building in Europe in the 50s until 1990. Its four large wings house faculties, research centers and several educational institutions.
Some interesting facts about this colossal building of Moscow State University:
- It is estimated that the length of all corridors is more than 33 km.
- It contains 5000 rooms.
- At the top of the main tower is a 12-ton star.
- The facades are decorated with giant clocks, statues and Soviet symbols, barometers and thermometers.
- The 1980 Moscow Olympics logo, designed by Vladimir Arsentiev, was largely inspired by Moscow State University.
A huge university complex was planned around the main building, belonging to the officially named M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University (https://www.msu.ru/), the oldest university in Russia, founded in 1755.
This university is very prestigious, both locally and internationally. 45,000 students study here in 40 faculties. This is one of the most important scientific centers in Russia, whose graduates and teachers have received 11 Nobel Prizes.
Inside the main building of MSU there is a museum of geosciences, located between the 24th and 31st floors, and there is also the opportunity to go out onto the terrace, which offers a fantastic panoramic view of Moscow.
However, the university is currently not open to the general public and can only be visited by appointment, with groups of students from educational centers (schools, institutes, universities, etc.).
If you are planning a trip to Moscow, you can find cheap air tickets on Aviasales, and train tickets on Poezd. If you prefer to travel by tour, we usually find the best deals on Travelata.
Hotel Ukraine
One of the seven sisters that you can climb is the Ukraine Hotel, known today as the five-star Radisson Royal Hotel. The observation deck is located on the 33rd floor of the building, where the cafeteria is also located.
The skyscraper is 198 meters high and consists of 34 floors. This Stalinist high-rise building is located next to the Moscow River. Its construction began in 1947 and was completed in 1957. The building remained the tallest hotel in the world until 1976. This is the second tallest building of Stalin's skyscrapers after the main tower of Moscow State University.
It was reconstructed between 2007 and 2010. The hotel has about 500 rooms, 38 apartments, several restaurants serving international cuisine (Iranian, European, Italian, Japanese, etc.), and there is also an Olympic 50-meter swimming pool, a conference room and a spa.
- One night in a standard double room can cost around 200 euros.
Websites:
- https://www.ukraina-hotel.ru
- https://www.radissonblu.com/royalhotel-moscow
Observation deck
This is one of the highest observation platforms in the Moscow capital, located on the 33rd floor of the Ukraine Hotel (height about 120 meters), from which a stunning view of the city opens; you can see the golden domes of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the skyscrapers of the Moscow City financial district, the Moscow River and the green areas of the Sparrow Hills, as well as other impressive panoramic views.
There are two ways to visit the site:
- Free entry for hotel guests, for hotel restaurant customers, for children under 6 years old and for Moscow City Pass holders.
- Entry costs 1,000 rubles for adults or 500 rubles for children from 6 to 14 years old.
"Tower on the Embankment", Tower C | 268.4 m
- Year of construction: 2007.
- Architects: Vehbi Inan, Olcay Osturk.
- Number of floors: 60.
- Purpose: offices.
“Tower on the Embankment” is a post-modern style complex of three towers:
- A 85 m high and 17 floors,
- B 127 m high and 27 floors,
- With a height of 268.4 m and 60 floors.
At the moment it is the most crowded building in Moscow City. The complex is designed specifically for offices and business premises.
Diorama of Moscow
If you visit Hotel Ukraine, don't miss the diorama (or panoramic model) of Moscow created in 1977 that became a sensation. She was taken to different countries: in New York, up to 40 thousand people visited him daily.
The diorama was purchased in 2007 by the Radisson Royal Hotel and restored. It shows the center of Moscow and more remote areas. Featuring lighting and motion effects and numerous other details, this diorama covers an area of 97.5 square meters.
It is located in the hotel lobby and is free to view.
Complex "City of Capitals"
Moscow Tower
The Moscow Tower is the most aesthetic skyscraper in the world. It is part of the City of Capitals complex and its height is 301.6 meters. The tower includes residential apartments and offices.
The title of the most aesthetic skyscraper was received in 2011. The tower is an indescribably beautiful, unusual and majestic object. He is romantic and reserved at the same time. Its uniqueness will be appreciated by those who can admire the sunset light in the glazing of the skyscraper.
Kudrinskaya Plaza building
This skyscraper has a height of 176 meters and consists of 22 floors and has a residential purpose. The central tower ends with an antenna, and the façade is decorated with sculptures. The apartments were built for the Soviet elite of that time in 1954.
The building, which has more than 450 apartments, also includes a huge underground bunker. It is also known as the “House of Aviators”, as many of its residents were pilots, astronauts or aeronautical engineers.
The highest floors were intended for the KGB and its listening devices to spy on the nearby US embassy.
In addition to the American Embassy, the Moscow Zoo and Planetarium are also located next to this building, which are ideal to visit if you are traveling with children.
This skyscraper is located in the heart of the city and some of its apartments can be rented through the Airbnb platform, with prices ranging from 50 to 500 euros per night, depending on the quality of the apartment and the height at which it is located.
To find budget accommodation (hotels, apartments, houses) in Moscow, we recommend using the Hotellook service, where you can find a huge number of accommodation options at different prices and with high ratings.
Office and recreation center
Skyscraper Eurasia
Skyscraper “Eurasia” is another huge tower in Moscow. Its height is 308.9 meters. 79 floors – 70 aboveground and 5 underground. The building is characterized by emerald color, laconicism, simple and clear architectural lines. “Eurasia” is an office and recreational center, which is a combination of offices, fitness centers, shops, and residential apartments. The pearl of Moscow City, the Eurasia skyscraper, has become one of the buildings based on a frame made of metal structures.
The skyscraper fully lives up to its name. Eurasian design combines classic and modern. Its design is a symbiosis of Western technology, respectability and Eastern hospitality with luxury. 2012 was marked by a pleasant event: Eurasia was recognized as the most popular skyscraper in Europe, ahead of London's Mary Ax skyscraper.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia
This impressive skyscraper, the only one of the seven sisters not topped with a Soviet star, reaches 172 meters and consists of 27 floors. It is located at the end of the famous Arbat Street and houses the offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On the highest part of the facade there is a large coat of arms of the Soviet Union, as well as the Kremlin building, with an area of 144 square meters. The interiors are certainly luxurious.
This building cannot be visited by tourists , but it is worth exploring from the outside.
Federation Tower - the youngest tall skyscraper in Moscow
Federation Tower
“Federation Tower” is recognized as the tallest building not only in Moscow, but also in Europe. Its 101 floors rise 374 meters above ground level. Its creators proudly call it a project ahead of its time.
The object is a complex of two towers: “East” and “West”, and the skyscraper owes the title of the tallest building to the first tower. The second tower is lower, its height is 242 meters.
This skyscraper can safely be called a symbol of business Moscow, its rapid and vibrant development. From the roof, where rare birds can fly, there is an amazing panoramic view. The ambitious project, developed by Sergei Tchoban and Peter Schweger, is also called a metropolis street, only it extends upward rather than along the sidewalk.
Hotel Leningrad
This is the smallest of the seven sisters, called the Leningradskaya Hotel, which is built at 134 meters in height and consists of 26 floors. In 2008, after a million-dollar investment, it reopened as the luxury five-star Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya hotel.
The lobby displays the finest examples of Russian imperial art with imposing bronze statues, huge chandeliers and luxurious furnishings.
At the entrance there is a giant lamp, one of the largest in the world, which illuminates seven floors. The ceiling is made of wood by hand.
You can stay at the hotel for a more detailed inspection. You can book a room through Hotellook. Even though this is a 5 star hotel, it is inexpensive (about 100 euros for a standard double room).
We moved to Antalya. We tell you everything in detail in our group. in contact with: https://vk.com/antalya2. Also watch our videos at YouTube:
The hotel has convenient transport links and is close to 3 railway stations:
- Leningradsky (from where trains depart to St. Petersburg, North-West Russia, Estonia and Finland),
- Kazansky (trains to Central Asia, Ryazan, Ufa, Samara and Novorossiysk)
- Yaroslavsky (trains to Siberia, the Russian Far East, Mongolia and China).
Red Gate
The construction of this monumental building was completed in 1953. The skyscraper is 138 meters high and has 24 floors. It was created to house the Ministry of Heavy Industry.
Today, the main building is the headquarters of several administrative departments, such as the Ministry of Transport, the Stock Exchange and other government agencies.
It also has residential apartments on the 11th and 15th floors. You can rent one of these apartments.
The building was built on the site where, until 1927, there was the Red Gate - the Triumphal Arch, erected in honor of the victory of the Russian army in the Battle of Poltava. As you can see in the photo, the front door of this building is also red.
The peculiarity of this skyscraper is that there is a metro station right next to it, which can be reached from the first floor of the building.
You can find excursions in Moscow on Tripster.
"Mercury City Tower" - aspiration to the sky!
Mercury
The height of the Mercury City Tower skyscraper is almost 340 meters, it has 70 floors. This is one of the first skyscrapers to bypass The Shard building, located in the UK. The year 2013 was marked for this project by receiving a prestigious European award in the category “Best High-Rise Building Architecture”. The golden facade (of course, not made of pure gold) and the unique shape are the flight of creative thought of architects Mikhail Posokhin and Frank Williams. This building, according to experts, combines innovative technologies and natural materials. For example, onyx, marble, and valuable wood species were used to decorate the halls, entrance lobbies and elevators. The Committee of the State Construction Supervision of Russia also did not ignore the skyscraper. In 2012, it was recognized as the best construction project.
Kotelnicheskaya bank building
It was the first of Stalin's Seven Sisters and was completed in 1952. It is 176 meters high.
The majestic building on Kotelnicheskaya Embankment was intended for elite apartments for people close to politics, but they were soon converted into apartment buildings and communal apartments for needy families. Many celebrities also lived there.
The skyscraper is located on Kotelnicheskaya Embankment, hence its name. In addition to residential premises, the building contains several shopping centers and a cinema.
It is also worth noting the facade, which faces the Kremlin and on which there are numerous memorial plaques dedicated to famous cultural figures. Of the seven sisters, this one is located closer to the center, just 15-20 minutes walk from Red Square.
If you want to stay in this building, you can rent an apartment through platforms like Airbnb or Hotellook. Some are luxurious and require high rents, but there are also budget options.
Mercury Tower | 338.8 m
- Year of construction: 2013.
- Architects: Frank Williams, Mikhail Posokhin, Gennady Sirota.
- Number of floors: 75 + 5 underground.
- Purpose: offices, residential apartments, recreational and shopping areas.
The high-rise building stands out among other buildings in Moscow City with its bright façade, trimmed with tinted yellow glass. The so-called “Golden Tower” was designed as an environmentally friendly building. Most offices do not require additional lighting during the day, and part of the rainwater is collected and used for technical purposes. In addition, “Mercury” tops the rating of the highest media facades in Europe.
Two “unborn sisters”
In addition to the seven sisters, Stalin planned to build two more skyscrapers, which were never completed.
Palace of the Soviets
The Palace of the Soviets, one of two Stalinist skyscrapers that had not yet been completed, was to become the tallest and most monumental skyscraper. Its design height was 415 meters, according to the final plans, and it was also to be topped with a statue of Lenin at the top.
His appointment was to be administrative, for holding congresses and celebrations. However, its construction was stopped at the beginning of World War II.
The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was demolished in 1931 to erect this skyscraper in its place. Its foundation was laid in the late 1930s. The German invasion of 1941 during the armed conflict stopped all work.
Later, around the 1960s and until the 90s, the so-called “Moscow” swimming pool of enormous size was located in the same place. It was open all year round.
Then the pool was removed, and in 1994 the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was rebuilt. It is one of the most important Orthodox churches in the country and the tallest in the world. The impressive golden domes have also been restored.
Some information about the Palace of Soviets:
- Inside there was to be an auditorium with a capacity of 21,000 people.
- It would be the tallest building in the world, taller than all New York buildings at the time.
- The pool was the largest, 129 meters in diameter.
- The Lenin statue that was to be installed on top of the building would have weighed about 6 tons.
Administrative building “Zaryadye”
The second of Stalin’s sisters, which did not see the light of day, was the administrative building “Zaryadye”, located in the historical district of the same name, next to Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin.
In all likelihood, the Zaryadye skyscraper would have eclipsed the famous architectural ensemble located around it.
A few decades later, in the 60s, the Rossiya Hotel was built on the same site, which was demolished in 2004. Zaryadye Park, one of the best places in the world according to Time magazine, was built here in 2021.
Zaryadye Park, located next to Red Square, was inaugurated in 2021. It is already considered one of the best public spaces in the world due to its modern concept.
- It occupies 78,000 square meters.
- 25,200 square meters are allocated for the Zaryadye Concert Hall, a modern concert venue.
- There is underground parking for 430 cars.
- Its construction cost 480 million dollars.
One of the main attractions of the park is the bridge over the Moscow River in the shape of the letter “V”. The panoramic views from the park are unparalleled, and its functional architecture is also impressive.
The park also features a cinema and pavilions featuring the latest digital media, including a unique ice cave with an interactive exhibit.
The Zaryadye Concert Hall has a multifunctional space for holding concerts in two halls, one of which is designed for 1,560 people, and the other is smaller with 400 seats.
There is also a performance amphitheater with a dazzling glass roof and the most extraordinary modern architecture. This is a translucent design that can maintain warm temperatures in winter.
More detailed information can be found on the website: https://www.zaryadyepark.ru/
Other Stalinist skyscrapers
In addition to the seven sisters and two projects that were never realized, there are also other buildings inspired by so-called Stalinist architecture:
Warsaw (Poland): The Palace of Culture and Science, built between 1952 and 1955, was a gift from Stalin or the Soviet Union to the Poles. In fact, it began to be called the Palace of Culture and Science named after Joseph Stalin.
It could even be considered the eighth sister, because it was built according to the plan of the Zaryadye building, although with modifications, and for its enormous height: a total of 237 meters. Currently it is used for offices and exhibition centers.
Prague (Czech Republic): The Prague International Hotel opened in 1957, just 88 meters high, but with a very clear influence from the Seven Sisters.
Bucharest (Romania): The House of the Free Press is a building built in 1957, originally called Casa Scânteii (the name of the official newspaper of the Romanian Communist Party), with a height of 104 meters.
Kiev (Ukraine): Hotel “Ukraine” was completed in 1961 and opened under the name Hotel “Moscow”. The skyscraper was built without any gable end, crown, antenna or bell tower.
Riga (Latvia): The Latvian Academy of Sciences was built in the 1950s but opened in 1961. The building has a height of 108 meters, and was officially donated by the workers and peasants of the USSR to Latvia.
The end of Stalinist architecture
The Seven Sisters gave rise to a unique architectural style known as Stalinist architecture, socialist or Gothic Stalinist classicism, inspired by the skyscrapers of the United States but with its own characteristics.
Although Stalin's skyscrapers were built not for urban planning but for propaganda purposes, after Stalin's death the government passed a decree condemning architectural excesses and putting an end to this unique style.
The impressive and modern skyscrapers of Moscow City belong to a more modern era, that is, a project developed by the Moscow government in 1992, which has nothing in common with the skyscrapers of Stalin, but represents the present and future of the city.
For information about where Moscow City is located and how to get there, read the article at the link.
“Wellton Towers” from “KROST”.
The residential complex in the Khoroshevo-Mnevniki area consists of three towers with a height of 48, 53 and 58 floors, the completion date is 2021. On the first level of the buildings there will be commercial space, underground parking, however, there are almost half as many parking spaces in each building as there are apartments: 253/386, 254/435; for the third tower in the project declaration the number of parking spaces is not indicated at all, and there are apartments in it 531. Parking spaces are not the only thing that residents of Wellton Towers may need; they will also lack space and light, since the building density in this place is such that the distance between some buildings is only 25-30 meters. The towers are being built on the territory of another complex of the KROST company - Wellton Park, and they will have to share courtyards and places for walking with a dozen more buildings. The area of the apartments in “Wellton Towers” is 28.4-119.4 m2, the cost is 50,000 rubles.
