Wasserturm Favoriten, Vienna Travel Guide

Rising on the Wienerberg hill, the Wasserturm Favoriten is a prominent landmark in Vienna's Favoriten district. Constructed between 1898 and 1899, designed by Franz Borkowitz, the tower was part of a complex that supplied drinking water to the higher-lying areas of the 10th and 12th districts. This was essential due to Vienna's rapid population growth and increasing demand for fresh water. The Wasserturm was integral to the city's first high spring water pipeline system, pumping water from the Rax region, about 75 kilometers south of Vienna.The tower's architecture showcases industrial historicism, featuring robust brickwork and intricate details. It stands 67 meters tall, including the weather vane. Inside, a 203-meter-long spiral ramp leads to a viewing platform 48 meters above ground, offering panoramic views of Vienna. The tower's two internal steel tanks had a combined capacity of 1,000 cubic meters.With the commissioning of the Second Vienna Mountain Spring Pipeline in 1910, the Wasserturm's role diminished. By 1956, it was decommissioned and fell into disrepair. However, the city recognized its historical and architectural significance, undertaking extensive renovations between 1988 and 1990. Today, the Wasserturm is a protected monument and a unique cultural venue. It hosts exhibitions and cultural events, often related to water. The surrounding park provides recreational opportunities, including the Wasserspielplatz Wasserturm, a water playground.