Riga Radio and TV Tower

Riga Radio and TV Tower (Riga TV Tower)
Rīgas radio un televīzijas tornis
General information
Type	mixed use
Location	Riga, Latvia
Coordinates	56.923889°N 24.137222°E / 56.923889; 24.137222
Construction started	1979
Completed	1986
Height
Antenna spire	368.5 m (1,209.0 ft)
Technical details
Elevator count	4
Design and construction
Architect	Gunārs Asaris

The Riga Radio and TV Tower (Latvian: Rīgas radio un televīzijas tornis) in Riga, Latvia is the tallest structure in the Baltic countries and the second tallest in the European Union. It was built between 1979 and 1986 by USSR. Its highest point reaches 368.5 m (1,209 ft), which makes it the third tallest tower in Europe (after the Ostankino Tower at 540 metres (1,772 ft) and the Kiev TV Tower at 385 metres (1,263 ft)) and the 14th tallest tower in the world. There is an observation platform at the height of 97 m, from which most of the city can be seen (and in good weather, the Gulf of Riga, and many of the city surroundings.)

The tower is built on an island called Zaķusala in the middle of the River Daugava, and the base of the tower is located about 7 m above mean sea level. The tower is said to be able to withstand extreme winds up to 44 m/s (98 mph) without any noticeable vibration.

There are two elevators, one in the north-east pillar and one in the south-west pillar. The third pillar contains a staircase. Beside the Avala Tower in Belgrade, Riga Radio and TV Tower is the only tower in the world that has 3 pillars.

The tower started broadcasting in 1986.

See also

• List of towers
• List of tallest freestanding structures in the world
• Riga LVRTC Transmitter

External links

• Official homepage in Latvian, English, Russian, German
• Riga Television Tower at Structurae