The Stunning Skyscrapers of Moscow

Every city in the world has a definitive skyline. The feature that makes Moscow’s skyline instantly recognizable is seven majestic skyscrapers known as the Seven Sisters. They were built during the Stalin era as he had wanted Moscow to become a rival to other major cities around the world. The seven buildings were once known as Europe’s tallest and were considered as part of Moscow’s reconstruction efforts after the end of the Second World War. These buildings have stood the test of time and are now known as some of the most significant architectural relics of this time.

Are These Buildings Actually Stately or Unsightly?

As some of Russia’s leading architects designed the buildings, it became clear that Stalin’s personal taste was epitomized in the architecture, so much so that the style became known as Stalinist Architecture. It is a mixture of Gothic and Soviet Baroque, and it is very striking. The style can most definitely be called grandiose and it may not be to everyone’s taste. Nevertheless, I think it is hard to deny that they are truly magnificent and that Moscow would not be the same without having them define the shape of the skyline.

What Are the Seven Sisters?

The Red Gates Administrative Building — Completed in 1953

At 133 meters in height, the Red Gates building is by no means small, even though it is the smallest of the seven. It is now a mixed-use building, which is being used for residential apartments, shops, and offices. The Ministry of Trade’s offices are also located here. An interesting feature of this building is that while it was being built, the frame was tilted to compensate for the frozen ground, and after it thawed, it remained somewhat tilted.

Hotel Leningradskaya — Completed in 1952

This skyscraper was designed with the goal of creating Europe’s most beautiful hotel. It is 136 meters tall and has 26 stories. The interior is exceptional, featuring a chandelier that majestically hangs down seven floors and is one of the biggest chandeliers in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The Leningradskaya was revamped and reopened in 2008 and currently operates under the Hilton brand.

Moscow State University — Completed in 1953

Now one of Moscow’s top universities, this was the second skyscraper to be completed and is the tallest of the sisters at 240 meters and 36 stories. The university can accommodate as many as 30,000 students. Part of this massive building was built by prisoners who were made to sleep on the 14th floor to prevent them from escaping. There is even a rumor that this floor is haunted by prisoners who died while attempting to escape.

Kudrinskaya Square Building — Completed in 1954

When the construction of the Kudrinskaya Square Building began in 1984, the intention was for it to be a residence for Soviet cultural leaders. The 160-meter-tall building was luxuriously equipped and contained a range of stylish apartments throughout its 22 stories along with elegant boutiques and restaurants. Unfortunately, the building was not adequately maintained over the years, and the once sophisticated apartments were eventually converted into smaller one-room residential units. The building is currently being renovated and will hopefully once again be restored to its original grandeur.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building — Completed in 1953

This skyscraper is 172 meters tall, has 27 stories, and is easily recognizable by the enormous Soviet crest on its front, which is 144 square meters in size. After construction was completed, Stalin added another defining feature to this skyscraper — a spire. When he died, a request was made to remove the spire, but that was turned down.

Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building — Completed in 1940

Construction on this multi-purpose building began in 1938. Situated at the junction of the Moskva and Yauza Rivers, the Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building is 176 meters tall with 32 stories. Although the original purpose of the building was to be exclusively residential, it became a housing project that accommodated multiple families.

Hotel Ukraina/Radisson Royal, Moscow — Completed in 1957

Once Europe’s largest hotel, our company, Kievskaya Ploshchad, owns this majestic building, which is 206 meters tall and has 34 stories. Construction of this skyscraper was particularly challenging because it was built on a bend in the Moskva River, and state-of-the-art building techniques had to be used. The Hotel Ukraine is also known as the Radisson Royal, Moscow, which we reopened after an extensive upgrade. We bought it on auction in 2005 and renovated it between 2007 and 2010. It is now fully restored and improved to modern standards.