Europe's tallest skyscraper is bigger than Eiffel Tower - but in the middle of nowhere

Europe's tallest skyscraper isn't as well-known as you might think.

The Lakhta Centre, located near St Petersburg, , stands taller than both the and London's Shard at a whopping 462 metres, making it the tallest building on the continent.

To give you an idea of its size, this towering structure would hold its own amidst skyline, even dwarfing the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center's roof. Situated 12km outside of the city on what was once wasteland, the project was completed in 2019 and now houses some of Russia's largest companies, including energy behemoth Gazprom.

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Constructed mainly from glass, the building boasts over 16,500 curved panes and is home to a sports centre, shops, eateries and even a planetarium. The tower's unique design draws inspiration from a fort built in 1611, which is located within the modern-day city.

Recreating this unusual shape posed significant architectural and construction challenges, with each floor differing from the ones above and below, reports . However, being the world's northernmost tower comes with its own set of problems, particularly given its close proximity to the

Its rounded structure helps shield it from harsh weather conditions, with the curves helping to reduce wind impact on the building's stability. An open mesh at the top of the spire allows wind to pass through but has a downside - it tends to accumulate ice that could potentially fall 460m to the streets below.

Stretching upward, one would expect plenty of space inside, yet more than a quarter of that colossal height is nothing but empty sky. An astonishing 117 metres at the top of the skyscraper serve merely to boost its stature – often mockingly dubbed "vanity height".

This isn't unique to this giant; take the towering Burj Khalifa at 828 metres, which boasts a 200-metre spire purely for added grandeur. Originally envisioned as the pioneering icon of Russian wealth, the building's siblings were stalled by the invasion of and the economic strife that ensued.

Now, with sanctions biting, inflation surging, and workforce deficits rife, any chance of fresh construction on an adjacent behemoth looks increasingly like wishful thinking.

The building currently contains offices, a co-working centre, a sports centre, a children's science centre and a conference centre. Part of the open area, of the indoor exhibition spcae, is used to demonstrate art, installations and sculptures.

The Burj Khalifa — which is the tallest building in the — is located in United Arab Emirates. The tower formally opened in January 2010, however the inside was not complete at the time. Today, the towering structure is home to a variety of commercial, residential and hospitality venues. A public observation deck, called 'At the Top', is located on the 124th floor.