Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building, Stalinist high-rise on Kotelnicheskaya Embankment, Moscow, Russia
The Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building rises 176 m (577 ft) from the eastern bank of the Moskva in Tagansky District and shapes the skyline with its central tower and three side wings. Terracotta, concrete, and steel give the facade a warm color, while Gothic-inspired ornament highlights its corners and center section.
Construction started in 1938 and finished in 1952 after the war interrupted the project. Once complete, the tower held the title of tallest structure in Europe for several years and was part of a master plan to shape the Moscow skyline.
As one of the Seven Sisters, the structure now serves as housing for families and professionals who live in central Moscow. Its name comes from the riverside area along the Moskva River where it stands and remains visible from afar.
The 32-story tower combines apartments with commercial spaces and offers direct access to the riverside path along the Moskva. Walking along the waterfront provides good views of the facade and the river itself.
The upper floors originally held communal rooms and a library for residents. The entrance sits lower than street level, so visitors walk down steps before reaching the lobby.
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