Water Tower, Kurzeme Travel Guide

4.5 (80)

Explore Riga's historic Āgenskalns Water Tower, an architectural gem reflecting the city's industrial past and Art Nouveau elegance.

The Āgenskalns Water Tower, also known as the Alīses Water Tower, is a notable landmark in Riga, Latvia, dating back to 1910. Designed by architect Wilhelm Bockslaff, the tower provided fresh drinking water to Riga's growing population during a construction boom. Today, it stands as a testament to the city's industrial past and architectural heritage.

A brief summary to Water Tower

Alīses iela 4, Riga, Zemgale Suburb, 1046, LV

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Water Tower.

Visit during the golden hour for the best lighting to photograph the tower's unique architecture.
Combine your visit with a walk around the charming Āgenskalns neighborhood to explore local markets and other attractions.
Check out nearby cafes for a quick snack or coffee after visiting the tower.

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Explore Water Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Water Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Āgenskalns, start by heading southeast on Miera iela. Continue straight for approximately 1 kilometer until you reach the intersection with Alīses iela. Turn left onto Alīses iela. Walk for about 400 meters, and the Water Tower will be on your right at Alīses iela 4. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

To reach the Water Tower via public transport, find the nearest bus or tram stop on Miera iela. Take bus number 28 towards 'Zemgales priekšpilsēta' and get off at the 'Alīses iela' stop after approximately 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, take tram number 7 or 11 towards 'Zemgales priekšpilsēta' and get off at the 'Alīses iela' stop. From either stop, walk approximately 200 meters north on Alīses iela to reach the Water Tower at Alīses iela 4. A single 90-minute ticket costs €1.50.
Taxi

To reach the Water Tower by taxi, use a ride-hailing app such as Bolt, MOBI, or Taxi in Riga, or hail a taxi on the street. From the Riga city center, a 5km ride will cost approximately €6. Note that some companies add a €2 surcharge for late-night journeys.

Discover more about Water Tower

The Āgenskalns Water Tower, situated on Alīses iela 4 in Riga's Zemgale Suburb, is a striking example of early 20th-century industrial architecture. Designed by the prolific architect Wilhelm Bockslaff and constructed in 1910, the tower was built to supply fresh drinking water to the rapidly expanding city. Riga was experiencing a golden age of construction and development at the time.The tower's design incorporates elements of Art Nouveau, also known as Jugendstil, and features walls that are approximately 2 meters thick. Rising to a height of 40 meters, the structure is adorned with a stylized version of Riga's coat of arms above the entrance. In 1937, the tower underwent significant reconstruction, which involved elevating the roof by 7.5 meters to improve its water-supplying capabilities.Beyond its functional history, the Āgenskalns Water Tower has also served as an underground recording studio called 'Tornis' from 1991 to 2010. Although no longer in use as a water tower, it remains a significant cultural monument and a symbol of Riga's industrial heritage. While the interior is not generally open to the public, the tower's exterior can be admired as part of a walking tour of the Āgenskalns neighborhood.