Ostankino Tower
Ostankino Tower is a television and radio tower in Moscow. It was erected in 1967. The Russian constructor Nikolai Nikitin constructed this building. It is 1771 ft. (540 m) tall. This building is the tallest in Europe and 8th tallest freestanding tower in the world.
Television came to Russia in 1938. In the very begining a broadcasting Shabolovka Tower was used as support for large antennas of TV and radio stations. It was constructed by a Russian engeneer Vladimir Grigorievich Shukhov.
1. There are 45 levels in the tower and many balconies. It weights 55 000 tons.
2. Ostankino Tower's construction and technological infrastructure are unique. Construscors used prestressed concrete to make the tower extremely sturdy.
3. Nowadays Ostankino Tower tramsmits signal for 11 TV channels, 12 radio stations and 17 satellite television programs.
4. On the August 27 2000 the tower was on fire. The fire took lives of 4 people and caused disruption of TV and radio signals in Moscow area. Afterwards the tower was closed for tourists for a long period. It was reopened in 2009.
5. 2 viewing platforms of Ostankino Tower are now opened for visitors. One of them is located at the altitude of 337 meters. The other - at 340 meters.
6. A transparent part of the flore at the Observation Desk.
7. High-speed elevators are working in the tower. Its speed is 23 feet/second (7 meter/second). They reach a height of 1138 ft. (347 meter) in 56 seconds.
8. The Ostankino Tower have been attracting tourists for many years. It is one of the most interesting sights of the Russia's capital.
