Karosta Water Tower: A Symbol of History and Art

The Karosta Water Tower stands as a prominent feature of the Karosta district in Liepāja, a testament to the area's intriguing past. Constructed around 1905, the tower was designed to provide a reliable water supply to the burgeoning naval port established by Tsar Alexander III. The architect of this industrial monument may have been Stephan Galenzovsky from St. Petersburg. Equipped with steam-powered pumps drawing water from boreholes, the tower ensured that residents of Karosta had access to running water. This was particularly crucial as Karosta functioned as a self-contained town, separate from Liepāja. Interestingly, the tower also played a role during the Latvian War of Independence in 1919, serving as a strategic observation point to direct Allied naval artillery. Decommissioned in 1989, the tower has been repurposed as a cultural venue, hosting artist residencies and exhibitions during the summer months. Visitors can explore the tower's interior, view artwork, and experience the unique atmosphere of this historical structure. The tower is an architectural monument of national importance.