Europe’s tallest building, the Lakhta Center, is a stunning architectural marvel standing at an astonishing 1,515 feet tall.
Located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, this sleek, spiralling tower is a landmark that redefines the city’s skyline and serves as a testament to modern engineering.
Completed in 2018, the Lakhta Center was commissioned by Gazprom, one of the world’s largest energy companies, and it currently serves as its headquarters.
Designed by architectural firm RMJM, the tower’s twisting form minimises wind resistance, making it both practical and aesthetically striking.
The Lakhta Center overtook Moscow’s Federation Tower to claim the title of Europe’s tallest building, and it’s 500ft taller than The Shard in London, which measures 1,016 feet.
With its record-breaking height, the Lakhta Center ranks among the 20 tallest buildings in the world.
The Lakhta Center isn’t just tall, it’s green, too.
The building incorporates advanced energy-saving technologies, including a double-skin facade that improves thermal insulation and a sophisticated heating and cooling system that minimises its environmental impact.
Its construction adhered to international environmental standards, earning it a LEED Gold certification.
The tower features 87 floors, housing a mix of offices, observation decks, and public spaces.
Its observation deck, perched near the top of the structure, offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Finland and the historic city of Saint Petersburg.
Standing far taller than the city’s traditional low-rise architecture, the Lakhta Center is not without controversy.
Some critics argue that its immense height disrupts the aesthetic balance of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
However, supporters claim that the building is a symbol of progress and modernity, reflecting Russia’s ambition to blend heritage with innovation.
The Lakhta Center has inspired a wave of urban development in Saint Petersburg, including new residential and commercial projects in its surrounding district.
The skyscraper also serves as a cultural hub, with an amphitheater, planetarium, and exhibition spaces open to the public.
