Europe’s Most Spectacular Skylines

Europe is known for its beautiful medieval architecture and its ancient palaces. However, striking futuristic buildings are starting to rise into the skylines of the most cosmopolitan European cities. London, Frankfurt, and Rotterdam boast stunning horizons that combine old and new architectural treasures. 

 Europe’s architecture is often associated with medieval architecture and ancient buildings. But this is beginning to change with the new futuristic building designs shaping the skylines of Europe’s biggest cosmopolitan cities. These new skyscrapers possess typical European design and building style. They rise as high as those found in China, Japan, Canada, and the United States. This new architectural taste is redefining the skyline of most European cities such as Frankfurt, London, and Rotterdam while preserving the old treasures of the cities.

London

London is one of Europe’s most forward-looking capitals. It knows how to combine its Georgian heritage with modern architecture. The White Tower, a 27-meter tall tower attached to the Tower of London, began to shape London’s skyline in the 11th century. The Old St Paul’s Cathedral, which was the highest structure globally, became more prominent later. London’s skyline began to explode with a new series of office towers and high-rise steel giants in 1960.

Today, London’s skyline is dominated by iconic structures such as The Shard (the highest building in the EU); The 30 St Mary Axe (designed by Norman Foster); The London Eye (the third-tallest Ferris wheel in the world); One Canada Square or The Heron Tower.

There are still many skyscrapers under construction. The most prominent is the Leadenhall Building, also known as Cheesegrater because of its unusual shape, the Scalpel on 52-54 Lime Street and the Pinnacle. There is also the Walkie Talkie which’s a shiny facade that once melted into a car.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt has the most striking downtown skyline in Europe. It’s not surprising that it was given the nicknames Manhattan and Frankfurt. The Main is not only one the most livable places in the world, but it’s also one of the major financial and business hubs of Europe. This can be seen best in the tall skyscrapers that rise along with the Old Town’s chocolate-box Old Town. They are a celebration of the city’s economic power.

The iconic Europaturm, 56-story Commerzbank Tower and Messeturm dominate Frankfurt’s futuristic skyline. They are the second and third tallest structures in Europe after London’s Shard. The Main Tower, a skyscraper with a public viewing observatory and Westendstrasse 1 (208 meters) are equally impressive. Frankfurt also celebrates its spectacular skyline with many events and daring spectacles at its one-of-a-kind Skyscrapers Festival.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam’s skyline is impressive, diverse and constantly evolving. It has all the characteristics of a modern, vibrant city. It is one of the most impressive in Europe and can be seen in all its splendor from the Euromast. This landmark marks the city’s attractive silhouette.

The Netherlands’ architectural capital is also one of the most innovative metropolises of the Old Continent. This city has spent decades rebuilding itself from the extensive damage caused by World War II.

Rotterdam is home to the Maastoren, the country’s tallest building. This, along with the bright white Erasmus Bridge and the twin towers Gebouw Delftse Poort, make up one of Europe’s most notable skylines.

Rotterdam is currently developing many other projects, so don’t be surprised to see new developments in this city.