Water Tower
Description
In 1900, on the hill known today asGen. Henryk Dąbrowski Hill, which is the
highest site in relation to the water intake
in Las Gdański (Gdańsk Forest) the water
tower (designed by Franz Marschal) was
opened. It played an important role in the
modern waterworks system of Bydgoszcz.
This slightly squat, cylindrical tower houses
a compensation reservoir, which for 90
years guaranteed proper water pressure in
the mains, making sure that in the hours
of increased consumption of water, it
would be available to consumers without
any problems. The tower received a neo-
Gothic brick façade, highlighted with plaster
details. The architect of this industrial
facility (45 metres high) added a public
lookout terrace to it, which was a great
attraction. It offered a view of the whole city.
Unfortunately, the terrace was closed after
1945. It was only reopened in 2012, after
completion of renovation and adaptation
works related to turning the Water Tower into one of the buildings of the Museum of
Waterworks (the second part of the Museum
is located in the Historical Pump Room
at 242 Gdańska Street). Inside, we find an
exhibition recounting the history of the local
waterworks and sewers. There is a collection
of documents, photographs, old bathroom
and toilet accessories, and even pieces of
wooden pipes coming from the first local
waterworks dating from the 16th century,
excavated during archaeological works.
After touring the industrial exhibition, we
can take a narrow, winding staircase to
access the lookout terrace, which offers a
breathtaking, panoramic view of Bydgoszcz.
There are several telescopes mounted on
the railing, offering a more detailed view of
the city.
The Henryk Dąbrowski Park stretches
at the foot of the tower. All distinct tall
buildings of the Bydgoszcz cityscape can be
seen above the tree tops.