A Show of Strength: The history of Moscow's famous towers

World
Europe

02:41

The footballing fever is taking over Russia, as the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, is well underway. The tournament's opening match took place in Moscow at the Luzhniki stadium. It's not far from the city's famous Stalinist SKYSCRAPERS which were built to symbolize the strength of the former Soviet Union. Let's take a look at the history behind those structures.

Standing at 240 metres tall, the Moscow University Building is an imposing structure on the city's skyline. It was once the tallest building in the city, and remains one of Moscow's main landmarks. There are seven skyscrapers like this, known as Stalin's "Vysotki" or the Seven Sisters.

After the second world war, Joseph Stalin ordered for them to be built, as a demonstration of the Soviet Union's recovery after the deadliest war in its history.

They are built in what is called the Stalin Empire Style, with recognizable elements of Roman aesthetics, Art Deco and Russian architecture of the past. They also contain Soviet symbols such as the star that stands atop each one.

DENIS ROMODIN HISTORIAN "They all have the same top which is a spire. But the design of the buildings differ. And part of these buildings imitate the legacy of Russian architecture. And this is very interesting. On the one hand, we see Stalin's monumentalism, on the other the design of the skyscrapers reflects some elements of 17th and 18th century Russian architecture."

The Seven Sisters are used as hotels, apartment complexes, and ministry headquarters. Along with Moscow's Circle metro line, this cluster of skyscrapers can be considered as a memorial to the victory over the Nazis in World War Two.

Residents Asya Chelovan and Roman Pavlenko found this roof tour of the city while they were searching for an unusual architecture experience.

They say they're interested in observing skyscrapers from a high point as buildings look different if you are close to them or viewing from a distance.

ASYA CHELOVAN RESIDENT "I think they are a piece of architecture. It's a symbol of its epoch. And for me, it is interesting to compare and follow the analogies or differences with the architecture of constructivism."

Although the buildings are fading away because of renovation work, people continue to relate to them much more positively, rather than to the new buildings in Moscow City or other new high rise buildings.

YR, CGTN.