Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw (must see)

The tallest building in Poland is Warsaw's Palace of Culture and Science. Standing at 778 feet and 42 floors, it ranks the fifth-tallest building in the European Union behind Commerzbank Tower and Messeturm, both in Frankfurt, and Madrid's Torre de Cristal and Torre Cepsa.

The Palace of Culture and Science was constructed between 1952 and 1955. Soviet architect Lev Rudnev designed the structure using Stalinest and Social Realism architecture with Art Deco and Renaissance influences. The prominent clock faces on the tower were not added until shortly before the turn of the century to celebrate the new millennium.

The building, a gift to Poland from the Soviet Union, was notable for more than its height. It was also the venue of the first performance of a major, international rock group behind the Iron Curtain. The Rolling Stones performed at the Palace of Culture and Science in 1967. It is now an exhibition center that contains two museums, multiple theatres, a university and a terrace that allows visitors to have a panoramic view of Warsaw.

Despite its cultural significance, the building has long been the subject of great controversy. Many citizens and political leaders have called for its demolition due to its ties to Joseph Stalin and the Soviet regime.

Tourists in Warsaw can easily spot the skyscraper due to its height and location in the city's center. The viewing terrace on the 30th floor is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.