List of tallest buildings in Europe
Timeline of tallest buildings
Table:
Name

City

Years tallest

Metres

Feet

Floors

Lakhta Center
Saint Petersburg
2017–present
462.5
1519
87

Federation: East Tower
Moscow
2016–2017
373.7
1,227
95

OKO: South Tower
Moscow
2015–2016
354.1
1,154
85

Mercury City Tower
Moscow
2012–2014
338.8
1,112
75

The Shard
London
2011–2012
309.6
1,016
87

CoC: Moscow Tower
Moscow
2009–2011
301.6
989
77

Naberezhnaya Tower C
Moscow
2007–2009
268.4
881
59

Triumph-Palace
Moscow
2005–2007
264.1
867
57

Commerzbank Tower
Frankfurt
1997–2005
259
849
56

Messeturm
Frankfurt
1990–1997
257
843
55

Moscow State University
Moscow
1953–1990
240
787
42

Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building
Moscow
1952–1953
176
577
32

Tour Perret
Amiens
1949–1952
110
361
26

Terrazza Martini Tower
Genoa
1940–1949
108
354
31

City Hall
Vienna
1892–1940[55]
105
344

Palace of Justice
Brussels
1883–1892
104
341

Victoria Tower
London
1860–1883
98.5
323

Using the given table along with the background passages listed at the end.

Solve the question: How many years did it take to build the building that is home to the mayor of Vienna ? Output only the correct answer as {"answer": "YOUR ANSWER"}. Base your answer solely on the given information.

The Lakhta Center ( Russian : Ла́хта це́нтр , tr . Lakhta tsentr ) is an 87-story skyscraper built in the outskirts of Lakhta in Saint Petersburg , Russia . Standing 462 metres ( 1,516 ft ) tall , the Lakhta Center is the tallest building in Russia , the tallest building in Europe , and the 16th-tallest building in the world . The Lakhta Center is also the second-tallest structure in Russia and Europe , behind Ostankino Tower in Moscow . Construction of Lakhta Center started on 30 October 2012 ; it was topped out on 29 January 2018 . The Lakhta Center surpassed Vostok Tower of the Federation Towers in Moscow as the tallest building in Russia and Europe on 5 October 2017 . The center is designed for large-scale mixed-use development , consisting of public facilities and offices . The building was designed by RMJM . The project was then continued by GORPROJECT ( 2011-2017 ) based on the RMJM Concept ( 2011 ) under the main contractor , Rönesans Holding . The Lakhta Center is intended to become the new headquarters of Russian energy company Gazprom . On December 24 , 2018 , Lakhta Center was certified according to the criteria of ecological efficiency at LEED Platinum , it is one of the five most eco-friendly skyscrapers in the world . The concrete pouring of the bottom slab of Lakhta Center 's foundation was registered by Guinness World Records as the largest continuous concrete pour ; 19,624 cubic meters of concrete were used , which is approximately 3,000 cubic meters more than in the previous similar record registered at Wilshire Grand Tower .
Saint Petersburg ( Russian : Санкт-Петербу́рг , tr . Sankt-Peterburg , IPA : [ ˈsankt pʲɪtʲɪrˈburk ] ( listen ) ) , formerly and still commonly known as Leningrad ( Russian : Ленинград ) is a city situated on the Neva River , at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea . It is Russia 's second-largest city after Moscow . With over 5,351,935 million inhabitants as of 2018 , it is the fourth-most populous city in Europe . An important Russian port on the Baltic Sea , it has a status of a federal subject ( a federal city ) . The city was founded by Tsar Peter the Great on 27 May [ O.S . 16 May ] 1703 , on the site of a captured Swedish fortress . It served as a capital of Russian Tsardom and the subsequent Russian Empire from 1713 to 1918 ( being replaced by Moscow for a short period of time between 1728 and 1730 ) . After the October Revolution , the Bolsheviks moved their government to Moscow . In modern times , Saint Petersburg is considered the Northern Capital and serves as a home to some federal government bodies such as the Constitutional Court of Russia and the Heraldic Council of the President of the Russian Federation . It is also a seat for the National Library of Russia and a planned location for the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation . The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site , so it 's also referred to as Russia 's Culture Capital .
The Federation Tower ( Russian : Башня Федерации , romanized : Bashnya Federatsii ) is a complex of two skyscrapers built on the 13th lot of the Moscow International Business Center ( MIBC ) in Moscow , Russia . The two skyscrapers are named Tower East or Vostok ( Russian : Восток ; literally means East ) and Tower West or Zapad ( Russian : Запад ; literally means West ) . The supertall skyscraper Tower East ( Vostok ) is currently the second tallest skyscraper in Europe and Russia after Lakhta Center , and the 46th-tallest building in the world . Zapad is a shorter skyscraper than Vostok and is the 11th-tallest building in Russia . The complex stands on the 13th lot , which has an area of 439,154 square meters . The project was conceived by German-Russian engineer Sergei Tchoban and German professor and engineer Peter Schweger . The complex was designed by architecture companies nps+partner and Schweger Associated Architects . The complex started construction in 2005 , with Zapad completed first in 2008 with a height of 242 meters ( 794 feet ) . As a result of the Great Recession , construction of the complex stopped until August 2011 , and Vostok was completed in December 7 , 2017 with a height of 373,7 meters ( 1,226 feet ) . In late 2014 , Vostok surpassed the South Tower of OKO , which it is also part of the MIBC , as the tallest skyscraper of Russia and Europe . A spire was to be also built which would have extended the complex 's height to 450 meters ( 1,476 feet ) as well as provided an observation deck but it was never completed and was dismantled afterward . The complex is owned by the AEON Corporation , a Russian private international investment group .
Moscow ( /ˈmɒskoʊ/ , in US mainly : /ˈmɒskaʊ/ ; Russian : Москва , tr . Moskva , IPA : [ mɐˈskva ] ( listen ) ) is the capital and most populous city of Russia , with approximately 12.6 million residents within the city limits , 17 million within the urban area and 20 million within the metropolitan area . Moscow is one of Russia 's federal cities . Moscow is a major political , economic , cultural , and scientific centre of Russia and Eastern Europe . It is the second-most populous city in Europe , the most populous city entirely within Europe , as well as the largest city ( by area ) on the European continent . By broader definitions , Moscow is among the world 's largest cities , being the 24th largest metropolitan area , the 16th largest urban area , and the 10th largest by population within city limits worldwide . Moscow has been ranked as the ninth most expensive city in the world and has one of the world 's largest urban economies , being ranked as an alpha global city , and is also one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world . Moscow is home to the third-highest number of billionaires of any city in the world , and has the highest number of billionaires of any city in Europe . Moscow is the northernmost and coldest megacity on the Earth . It is home to the Ostankino Tower , the tallest free standing structure in Europe ; the Federation Tower , the second-tallest skyscraper in Europe ; and the Moscow International Business Center . Moscow is the largest city on the European continent by area . Moscow is situated on the Moskva River in the Central Federal District of European Russia , it is well known for its architecture , particularly its historic buildings such as Saint Basil 's Cathedral in Russian architectural style with a richly decorated and multicolored facade .
OKO ( Russian : ОКО , literally means eye , also an abbreviation for Obyedinonnyye Kristallom Osnovaniya ( Russian : Oбъединённые Кристаллом Oснования , literally means Joined by Crystal Foundation ) ) is a complex of two skyscrapers located on plot 16 in the Moscow International Business Center ( MIBC ) in Moscow , Russia . Occupying a total area of about 250,000 square metres ( 2,700,000 sq ft ) , the mixed-use complex houses apartments , office space , a 5-star hotel , and other commodities . The two skyscrapers , North Tower and South Tower , are among the tallest skyscrapers in Russia , with the latter being the taller of the two . Rising 354.1 m ( 1,162 ft ) , the 85-story South Tower , also known as the OKO Apartment Tower or 16a IBC Tower 1 , was the tallest building in Russia and Europe when constructed , until it was surpassed by Federation Tower a few months later . The 49-story North Tower , also known as the OKO Office Tower or 16a IBC Tower 2 , is 245 m ( 804 ft ) tall and the 11th tallest building in Russia . The complex also has a large car park , rising 12 stories with a height of 44 m ( 144 ft ) .
Mercury City Tower ( Russian : Меркурий Сити Тауэр , tr . Merkuriy Siti Tauer ) is a supertall skyscraper located on plot 14 in the Moscow International Business Center ( MIBC ) in Moscow , Russia . Occupying a total area of 173,960 square metres ( 1,872,500 sq ft ) , the mixed-use building houses offices , apartments , a fitness center , and retail stores . Rising 338.8 m ( 1,112 ft ) tall , the Mercury City Tower was formerly the tallest building of Russia and Europe , having surpassed the Moscow Tower of the neighboring City of Capitals complex ( also in the MIBC ) as the tallest of Russia and The Shard in London as Europe 's tallest building . The Mercury City Tower kept this record from late 2012 to the summer of 2014 , in which it was surpassed by the South Tower of the neighboring OKO complex ( also on the MIBC ) as the tallest building in Russia and Europe .
The Shard , [ a ] also referred to as the Shard of Glass , Shard London Bridge and formerly London Bridge Tower , is a 95-storey supertall skyscraper , designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano , in Southwark , London , that forms part of the Shard Quarter development . Standing 309.6 metres ( 1,016 ft ) high , the Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom , and the sixth-tallest building in Europe . It is also the second-tallest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom , after the concrete tower of the Emley Moor transmitting station . It replaced Southwark Towers , a 24-storey office block built on the site in 1975 . The Shard 's construction began in March 2009 ; it was topped out on 30 March 2012 and inaugurated on 5 July 2012 . Practical completion was achieved in November 2012 . The tower 's privately operated observation deck , The View from The Shard , was opened to the public on 1 February 2013 . The glass-clad pyramidal tower has 72 habitable floors , with a viewing gallery and open-air observation deck on the 72nd floor , at a height of 244 metres ( 801 ft ) . The Shard was developed by Sellar Property Group on behalf of LBQ Ltd and is jointly owned by Sellar Property ( 5% ) and the State of Qatar ( 95% ) . The Shard is managed by Real Estate Management ( UK ) Limited on behalf of the owners .
London is the capital and largest city of England and of the United Kingdom . Standing on the River Thames in the south-east of England , at the head of its 50-mile ( 80 km ) estuary leading to the North Sea , London has been a major settlement for two millennia . Londinium was founded by the Romans . The City of London , London 's ancient core − an area of just 1.12 square miles ( 2.9 km2 ) and colloquially known as the Square Mile − retains boundaries that closely follow its medieval limits . [ note 1 ] The City of Westminster is also an Inner London borough holding city status . Greater London is governed by the Mayor of London and the London Assembly . [ note 2 ] London is considered to be one of the world 's most important global cities and has been termed the world 's most powerful , most desirable , most influential , most visited , most expensive , innovative , sustainable , most investment friendly , and most popular for work city . London exerts a considerable impact upon the arts , commerce , education , entertainment , fashion , finance , healthcare , media , professional services , research and development , tourism and transportation . London ranks 26th out of 300 major cities for economic performance . It is one of the largest financial centres and has either the fifth or the sixth largest metropolitan area GDP . [ note 3 ] It is the most-visited city as measured by international arrivals and has the busiest city airport system as measured by passenger traffic . It is the leading investment destination , hosting more international retailers and ultra high-net-worth individuals than any other city .
The City of Capitals ( Russian : Город Столиц , tr . Gorod Stolits ) is a mixed-use complex composed of two skyscrapers and an office building located on plot 9 in the Moscow International Business Center in Moscow , Russia with a total area of 288,680 square metres ( 3,107,300 sq ft ) . The two skyscrapers are named after the two historical capitals of Russia : Moscow and Saint Petersburg . Construction of the complex began in 2005 , with the office building completed in 2008 and the two skyscrapers completed in 2009 . Moscow Tower is the taller of the two skyscrapers , with a height of 301.6 metres ( 990 ft ) and 73 stories , surpassing the Naberezhnaya Tower as the tallest building in Russia and Europe in 2008 , until it was surpassed by The Shard in London , United Kingdom in 2012 . St. Petersburg Tower has a height of 256.9 metres ( 843 ft ) and 65 stories while the office building serves as a stylobate with a height of 76 metres ( 249 ft ) with 18 floors .
Naberezhnaya Tower ( Russian : Башня на Hабережной , tr . Bashnya na Naberezhnoy , literally means Tower on the Embankment ) is an office complex composed of two skyscrapers and a high-rise located on plot 10 in the Moscow International Business Center ( MIBC ) in Moscow , Russia with a total area of 254,000 m2 ( 2,730,000 sq ft ) . The buildings are named after the first three letters of the alphabet and from the lowest height to the tallest : the 17-story tall Tower A , the 27-story tall Tower B , and the 59-story tall Tower C. Construction of the complex started in 2003 , with Tower A being completed in 2004 , Tower B in 2005 , and Tower C in 2007 . Tower C is the tallest building out of the complex , with a height of 268.4 metres ( 881 ft ) and 59 stories . It is formerly the tallest building in Russia and Europe , surpassing the Triumph Palace , also in Moscow , in August 2007 . Tower C was surpassed by its neighboring skyscraper Moscow Tower of the City of Capitals complex as the tallest building in July 2008 .
Triumph Palace ( Russian : Триу́мф-Пала́с , transliterated as Triumf Palas ) is the tallest apartment building in Moscow and all of Europe . It is sometimes called the Eighth Sister because it is similar in appearance to the Seven Sisters skyscrapers built in Moscow under Joseph Stalin through the 1950s . Construction began in 2001 . The 57-storey building , containing about 1,000 luxury apartments [ citation needed ] , was topped out on 20 December 2003 , making it Europe 's and Russia 's tallest skyscraper at 264.1 metres ( 866 ft ) until the inauguration in 2007 of Moscow 's 268-metre Naberezhnaya Tower block C. Triumph Palace is featured in detail in the 2009 Channel 4 series Vertical City ( series 1 , episode 8 ) .
Commerzbank Tower is a 56-story , 259 m ( 850 ft ) skyscraper owned by Samsung of Korea since September 2016 in the banking district of Frankfurt , Germany . An antenna spire with a signal light on top gives the tower a total height of 300.1 m ( 985 ft ) . It is the tallest building in Frankfurt and the tallest building in Germany . It had been the tallest building in Europe from its completion in 1997 until 2003 when it was surpassed by the Triumph-Palace in Moscow . Since the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union it has since reclaimed its position as the tallest building in the European Union . The Commerzbank Tower is only two metres taller than the Messeturm , which is also located in Frankfurt . The Messeturm had been the tallest building in Europe before the construction of the Commerzbank Tower . It is currently the tallest building in the EU . Commerzbank Tower was designed by Foster & Partners , with Arup and Krebs & Kiefer ( structural engineering ) , J. Roger Preston with P & A Petterson Ahrens ( mechanical engineering ) , Schad & Hölzel ( electrical engineering ) . Construction of the building began in 1994 and took three years to complete . The building provides 121,000 m2 ( 1,300,000 sq ft ) of office space for the Commerzbank headquarters , including winter gardens and natural lighting and air circulation . The building is lighted at night with a yellow lighting scheme that was designed by Thomas Ende who was allowed to display this sequence as a result of a competition .
Frankfurt ( officially : Frankfurt am Main ( German : [ ˈfʁaŋkfʊʁt ʔam ˈmaɪn ] ( listen ) ; Hessian : Frangford am Maa ; lit . Frank ford on the [ a ] Main ) ) is a metropolis and the largest city of the German federal state of Hesse , and its 746,878 ( 2017 ) inhabitants make it the fifth-largest city in Germany . On the River Main ( a tributary of the Rhine ) , it forms a continuous conurbation with the neighbouring city of Offenbach am Main , and its urban area has a population of 2.3 million . The city is at the centre of the larger Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region , which has a population of 5.5 million and is Germany 's second-largest metropolitan region after the Rhine-Ruhr Region . Since the enlargement of the European Union in 2013 , the geographic centre of the EU is about 40 km ( 25 mi ) to the east of Frankfurt 's central business district . Like France and Franconia , the city is named after the Franks . Frankfurt is the largest city in the Rhine Franconian dialect area ( Franconian dialects ) , Frankfurt was one of the host cities of the official tournaments of the 1974 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup . Frankfurt was a city state , the Free City of Frankfurt , for nearly five centuries , and was one of the most important cities of the Holy Roman Empire , as a site of imperial coronations ; it lost its sovereignty upon the collapse of the empire in 1806 and then permanently in 1866 , when it was annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia . It has been part of the federal state of Hesse since 1945 . Frankfurt is culturally , ethnically , and religiously diverse , with half of its population , and a majority of young people , having a migration background . A quarter of the population consists of foreign nationals , including many expatriates . Frankfurt is an alpha world city and a global hub for commerce , culture , education , tourism and transportation .
The Messeturm , or Trade Fair Tower , is a 63-storey , 257 m ( 843 ft ) skyscraper in the Westend-Süd district of Frankfurt , Germany . It is the second tallest building in Frankfurt , the second tallest building in Germany and the second tallest building in the European Union . It was the tallest building in Europe from its completion in 1991 until 1997 when it was surpassed by the Commerzbank Tower , which is also located in Frankfurt . The Messeturm is located near the Frankfurt Trade Fair grounds . Helmut Jahn designed the Messeturm in a postmodern architectural style . It is regarded as one of the design classics among European skyscrapers . Despite its name , the Messeturm is not used for trade fair exhibitions but as an office building . It is one of the few buildings in Germany with their own postal code ( 60308 ) , the others being Opernturm , another Frankfurt skyscraper , and the summit station on Zugspitze .
The main building of Moscow State University ( in Russian Гла́вное зда́ние МГУ ) is a 240 metres ( 790 ft ) tall , 36-level ( in its central part ) skyscraper in Moscow , Russia . Designed by Lev Rudnev and completed in 1953 , it is utilized as headquarters of the Moscow State University . Built in the Stalinist architectural style , the building is the highest of seven Moscow skyscrapers constructed between 1947 and 1953 , and is the tallest educational building in the world . Additionally , from 1953 to 1990 it was also the tallest building in Europe .
Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building is one of seven Stalinist skyscrapers laid down in September 1947 and completed in 1952 , designed by Dmitry Chechulin ( then Chief Architect of Moscow ) and Andrei Rostkovsky . The main tower has 32 levels ( including mechanical floors ) and is 176 metres ( 577 ft ) tall . At the time of construction it was the tallest building in Europe . The building also incorporates a 9-story apartment block facing Moskva River , designed by the same architects in 1938 and completed in 1940 . Originally built in stern early Stalinist style , with wet stucco wall finishes , it was re-finished in terracotta panels in line with the main tower and acquired ornate pseudo-Gothic crowns over its 12-story raised corners and center tower . By the end of World War II , the side wing was converted to multi-family kommunalka housing , in a contrast to the planned elite status of the main tower . The main tower , of a conventional steel frame structural type , has a hexagonal cross-section with three side wings ( 18 storeys , including two mechanical floors ) . While it is not exceptionally tall or massive , the upward surge of five stepped-up layers , from a flat 9-storey side wing to the spire , gives the impression of a larger structure . The structure hides behind itself a so-called Shvivaya Gorka , a hill with historical architecture and a maze of steeply inclined streets . Chechulin was initially criticized for complete disregard of this area , but his bureaucratic influence brushed off any criticisms .
Tour Perret is a 27-storey , 103.9 m ( 341 ft ) residential skyscraper in Amiens , France .
Amiens ( French pronunciation : ​ [ amjɛ̃ ] ; Picard : Anmien ) is a city and commune in northern France , 120 km ( 75 mi ) north of Paris and 100 km ( 62 mi ) south-west of Lille . It is the capital of the Somme department in Hauts-de-France . The city had a population of 136,105 according to the 2006 census , and one of the biggest university hospitals in France with a capacity of 1,200 beds . Amiens Cathedral , the tallest of the large , classic , Gothic churches of the 13th century and the largest in France of its kind , is a World Heritage Site . The author Jules Verne lived in Amiens from 1871 until his death in 1905 , and served on the city council for 15 years . The town was fought over during both World Wars , suffering much damage , and occupied several times by both sides . The 1918 Battle of Amiens was the opening phase of the Hundred Days Offensive which led directly to the Armistice with Germany . Heavily bombed by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War , the city was rebuilt according to Pierre Dufau 's plans with wider streets to ease traffic congestion . These newer structures were primarily built of brick , concrete and white stone with slate roofs . The architect Auguste Perret designed the Gare d'Amiens train station and nearby Tour Perret . Amiens has an important historical and cultural heritage , on which tourism is based . Apart from the cathedral , there is the hortillonnages [ fr ] , Jules Verne House [ fr ] , the Tour Perret , the Musée de Picardie , the zoo [ fr ] , and the quarters of Saint-Leu and Saint-Maurice .
Terrazza Martini Tower ( former name , formal name is Piacentini Tower ) is a highrise building located in Genoa , Italy . Construction on the building began in 1935 , and finished in 1940 . It was designed by Marcello Piacentini and Angelo Invernizzi . It has 31 floors , and contains office spaces . Its roof height is 108 m , and counting its spire , the full building height is 116 m. At the time of construction it was the tallest building in Europe , until 1952 , when the Kotelnicheskaya Embankment was built in Moscow . [ citation needed ]
Genoa ( /ˈdʒɛnoʊə/ JEN-oh-ə ; Italian : Genova [ ˈdʒɛːnova ] ( listen ) ; Ligurian : Zêna [ ˈzeːna ] ; English , historically , and Latin : Genua ) is the capital of the Italian region of Liguria and the sixth-largest city in Italy . In 2015 , 594,733 people lived within the city 's administrative limits . As of the 2011 Italian census , the Province of Genoa , which in 2015 became the Metropolitan City of Genoa , counted 855,834 resident persons . Over 1.5 million people live in the wider metropolitan area stretching along the Italian Riviera . Located on the Gulf of Genoa in the Ligurian Sea , Genoa has historically been one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean : it is currently the busiest in Italy and in the Mediterranean Sea and twelfth-busiest in the European Union . Genoa has been nicknamed la Superba ( the proud one ) due to its glorious past and impressive landmarks . Part of the old town of Genoa was inscribed on the World Heritage List ( UNESCO ) in 2006 as Genoa : Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli . The city 's rich cultural history in art , music and cuisine allowed it to become the 2004 European Capital of Culture . It is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus , Andrea Doria , Niccolò Paganini , Giuseppe Mazzini , Renzo Piano and Grimaldo Canella , founder of the House of Grimaldi , among others . Genoa , which forms the southern corner of the Milan-Turin-Genoa industrial triangle of Northwest Italy , is one of the country 's major economic centers . The city has hosted massive shipyards and steelworks since the 19th century , and its solid financial sector dates back to the Middle Ages . The Bank of Saint George , founded in 1407 , is among the oldest in the world and has played an important role in the city 's prosperity since the middle of the 15th century .
Vienna City Hall ( German : Wiener Rathaus ) is the seat of local government of Vienna , located on Rathausplatz in the Innere Stadt district . Constructed from 1872 to 1883 in a Neo-Gothic style according to plans designed by Friedrich von Schmidt , it houses the office of the Mayor of Vienna as well as the chambers of the city council and Vienna Landtag diet .
Vienna ( /viˈɛnə/ ( listen ) ; German : Wien [ viːn ] ( listen ) ) is the national capital , largest city , and one of nine states of Austria . Vienna is Austria 's most populous city , with about 1.9 million inhabitants ( 2.6 million within the metropolitan area , nearly one third of the country 's population ) , and its cultural , economic , and political centre . It is the 6th-largest city by population within city limits in the European Union . Until the beginning of the 20th century , it was the largest German-speaking city in the world , and before the splitting of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in World War I , the city had 2 million inhabitants . Today , it is the second-largest German-speaking city after Berlin . Vienna is host to many major international organizations , including the United Nations , OPEC , and the OSCE . The city is located in the eastern part of Austria and is close to the borders of Czechia , Slovakia , and Hungary . These regions work together in a European Centrope border region . Along with nearby Bratislava , Vienna forms a metropolitan region with 3 million inhabitants . In 2001 , the city centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site . In July 2017 it was moved to the list of World Heritage in Danger . Additionally to being known as the City of Music due to its musical legacy , Vienna is also said to be the City of Dreams , because of it being home to the world 's first psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud .
The Palace of Justice of Brussels ( French : Palais de Justice de Bruxelles , Dutch : Justitiepaleis ( help·info ) ) or Law Courts of Brussels is the most important court building in Belgium . It is located on Place Poelaert/Poelaertplein in the Marolles/Marollen district of Brussels . Built between 1866 and 1883 by the celebrated architect Joseph Poelaert in the eclectic style , the building is reputed to be the largest constructed in the 19th century and is a notable landmark of Brussels . The total cost of the construction , land and furnishings was somewhere in the region of 45 million Belgian francs . This site is served by the Louise/Louiza metro station ( on lines 2 and 6 of the Brussels metro ) , and the tram lines 92 and 94 . From the lower part of town , it is also possible to take a lift called Ascenseur ( Lift ) des Marolles to access it .
Brussels ( French : Bruxelles [ bʁysɛl ] ( listen ) or [ bʁyksɛl ] ; Dutch : Brussel [ ˈbrʏsəl ] ( listen ) ) , officially the Brussels-Capital Region ( French : Région de Bruxelles-Capitale ; [ a ] Dutch : Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest ) , [ b ] is a region of Belgium comprising 19 municipalities , including the City of Brussels , which is the capital of Belgium . The Brussels-Capital Region is located in the central portion of the country and is a part of both the French Community of Belgium and the Flemish Community , but is separate from the Flemish Region ( which forms an enclave ) and the Walloon Region . Brussels is the most densely populated and the richest region in Belgium in terms of GDP per capita . It covers 162 km2 ( 63 sq mi ) , a relatively small area compared to the two other regions , and has a population of over 1.2 million . The metropolitan area of Brussels comprises over 2.5 million people , which makes it the largest in Belgium . It is also part of a large conurbation extending towards Ghent , Antwerp , Leuven and Walloon Brabant , home to over 5 million people . Brussels grew from a small rural settlement on the river Senne to become an important city-region in Europe . Since the end of the Second World War , it has been a major centre for international politics and home to numerous international organisations , politicians , diplomats and civil servants . Brussels is the de facto capital of the European Union , as it hosts a number of principal EU institutions , including its administrative-legislative , executive-political , and legislative branches ( though the judicial branch is located in Luxembourg , and the European Parliament meets for a minority of the year in Strasbourg ) [ c ] . Its name is sometimes used metonymically to describe the EU and its institutions . The secretariat of the Benelux and headquarters of NATO are also located in Brussels . As the economic capital of Belgium and one of the top financial centres of Western Europe with Euronext Brussels , it is classified as an Alpha global city .
The Victoria Tower is a square tower at the south-west end of the Palace of Westminster in London , adjacent to Black Rod 's Garden on the west and Old Palace Yard on the east . At 98.5 metres ( 323 ft ) , it is slightly taller than the Elizabeth Tower ( formerly known as the Clock Tower and popularly known as 'Big Ben ' ) at the north end of the Palace ( 96.3 metres ( 316 ft ) ) . At the time of its construction it was tallest square tower in the world . It was designed by Charles Barry in the Perpendicular Gothic style and was completed in 1860 . It houses the Parliamentary Archives in archive conditions meeting the BS 5454 standard , on 12 floors . All 14 floors of the building were originally linked via a single wrought-iron Victorian staircase of 553 steps , of which five floors survive . The main entrance at the base of the tower is the Sovereign 's Entrance , through which the Monarch passes at the State Opening of Parliament . On top of the Victoria Tower is an iron flagstaff from which flies the Union Flag or , when the Sovereign is present in the Palace , the Royal Standard . The flag used to be flown only on days when either House of Parliament sat , but since January 2010 it has been flown every day .