Description of the attraction
One of the symbols of the city of Mariupol is the old water tower, which is located in the Zhovtnevy district of the city at the intersection of Engels and Varganova streets. This architecturally and artistically interesting building is located at the highest point of the city, due to which it rises above the surrounding buildings.
Since at the beginning 20 Art. Since there was no running water in Mariupol yet, water in barrels from the source of drinking water to the houses of residents of the city was delivered by water carriers for a certain fee. In April 1908, the Mariupol City Council approved the project for the construction of a water supply network, drawn up by an engineer and city architect Viktor Alexandrovich Nielsen. The construction of the water tower and the city water supply began in December 1909. The author of the water tower project, V. Nielsen, supplemented it with an observation tower, adding to it a fire-fighting purpose.
The water supply system of the city of Mariupol began its operation on July 3, 1910. On this occasion, special water taps were built on the city streets. Separate lines were also drawn to the homes of wealthy townspeople. The fourth level of the tower housed a water tank for the city center.
In 1932, due to the replacement of piston pumps, the tower lost its functional significance. Since the city fire station was located nearby, the tower simply served as a fire tower. After the Second World War, the tower fell into disrepair. But despite this, in 1983 it was recognized as an architectural monument of local importance.
In the late 80s, the building of the tower was planned to be restored and placed in it a museum of urban planning in Mariupol. But in 1996, permanent residents appeared in the old water tower - a bank branch was opened. In 2012, the bank branch was liquidated, and the tower building was transferred to the city's balance sheet.
