Kiev TV Tower

The Kiev TV Tower (Ukrainian Київська телевежа / Kyjiwska telewescha ) is a 385 -meter high TV tower for FM and television. The Kiev TV Tower was completed in 1973 and is the tallest free-standing steel framework tower in the world. Architectural features are the four 100 m high pillars. The shaft diameter is 4 m and consists of a steel truss structure of pipes of 12 mm in wall thickness. Another special feature is the lack of rivets; the entire steel structure was welded.

Originally, the tower for the former Soviet capital Moscow was designed. However, the Moscow authorities preferred a more stable looking building and decided on the form, which can be seen today in the Ostankino TV tower. Later Kiev needed its own transmission tower. The government instructed the engineers the project, which was originally planned for Moscow to take for Kiev with the condition that the height of the tower is to be reduced by at least 30 % so that it does not should be as high as the Moscow tower.