For the next post in our series on tallest skyscrapers around the world, we move over to Europe. As was the case in Asia (where most of the tallest skyscrapers are located in China), and North America (where most of the tallest skyscrapers are located in the United States), most of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe are located in Russia. For this series, Russia is deserving of its own post, as their architecture has produced some of the most unique buildings in the world. Five of the six tallest buildings in Europe are in Russia, another reason for it getting its own post. Without Russia, Europe has 31 skyscrapers over 200 meters tall, one of them being over 300 meters. Three new 300+ meter skyscrapers are planned, with twenty-two 200+ meter skyscrapers planned in the coming years. The following five skyscrapers are the tallest in their respective countries and some of the tallest in Europe.
The Shard
The tallest skyscraper in all of the United Kingdom, The Shard, also known as the Shard of Glass and Shard London Bridge, was once known as London Bridge Tower. It is 95 storeys and stands at an impressive 309.6 meters (1,016 feet). It is the fourth-tallest building in Europe and the 105th tallest building in the world. It is the second-tallest free-standing structure in the UK, behind Emley Moor transmitting station. It contains office space, retail space, hotels, and an observatory. Only 72 of the 95 storeys are habitable. Construction began in March 2009 and was completed in July 2012 for a February 2013 opening.
Skyland Istanbul 1
Along with Skyland Istanbul 2, Skyland Istanbul 1 is a mixed-use skyscraper in Istanbul, Turkey. Standing at 293.1 meters (962 feet), they are the tallest buildings in Turkey. These towers are set to open up later this year and will be used as residential and office space, with a third tower (179.1 meters) set to be a hotel.
Commerzbank Tower
Opened in 1994, Commerzbank Tower was the tallest building in Europe from 1997 until 2003. It contains 56 storeys and is 259 meters (850 feet). It is the current tallest building in Germany and took three years to complete construction. It houses office space for Commerzbank headquarters, with winter gardens, natural lighting, and air circulation. It is known as the world’s first ecological skyscraper, and it is located in Frankfurt, Germany.
Torre de Cristal
Located in Madrid, Spain, Torre de Cristal stands at 249 meters (817 feet) and is currently the tallest building in Spain. Construction lasted five years, beginning in 2004 and completing in 2009. It is an office building with 52 storeys and it is the fourth tallest building in the European Union.
Tour First
For about 25 years this skyscraper was known as Tour UAP and for about 10 years it was known as Tour AXA, however now, it is known as Tour First. It is an office skyscraper in the business district of the Paris metropolitan area. It was originally built in 1974 but was renovated from 2007 until 2011. It currently stands at 225 meters (738 feet) as the tallest skyscraper in France and second tallest structure in France behind the Eiffel Tower. It is 52 storeys and is a commercial office skyscraper.
Have you visited any of these incredible feats of architecture? When do you think Europe will have its first 400 meter skyscraper? Sound off in the comments section below and let us know.
