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Āgenskalns Water Tower: A Symbol of Riga's Industrial Heritage

Explore the historic Āgenskalns Water Tower in Riga, an architectural marvel from the early 20th century and a symbol of the city's growth.

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The Āgenskalns Water Tower, built in 1910 by Wilhelm Bockslaff, provided fresh drinking water during Riga's construction boom. Rising 40 meters with 2-meter thick brick walls, it features a stylized Riga coat of arms. It briefly served as an underground recording studio.

A brief summary to Water Tower

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

Local tips

  • Check out the stylized coat of arms of Riga above the entrance to appreciate the tower's architectural details.
  • Explore the Āgenskalns neighborhood, known for its charming streets and historical buildings.
  • Consider visiting nearby attractions such as the Latvian National Historical Archives.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Riga city center, take a local bus, trolleybus, or tram to the Āgenskalns area. Check the 'Rīgas Satiksme' website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the nearest stop on Alīses iela, it's a short walk to the Water Tower. A single 90-minute e-ticket costs €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available in Riga. A taxi ride from the city center to the Water Tower typically costs around €6, depending on traffic and the specific route. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand.

  • Walking

    From the Āgenskalns Market, walk along Nometņu iela, then turn onto Alīses iela. The Water Tower will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs involved.

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Discover more about Water Tower

The Āgenskalns Water Tower, located on Alīses iela 4, is a notable landmark in Riga's Āgenskalns neighborhood. Constructed between 1910 and 1911, this striking tower was designed by the prolific architect Wilhelm Bockslaff, a key figure in Riga's architectural history. During Riga's golden age of construction and development, the tower was built to supply fresh drinking water to the rapidly growing population. Rising to a height of 40 meters, the tower boasts impressive 2-meter thick brick walls, a testament to the engineering prowess of the time. Above the entrance, a stylized version of Riga's coat of arms is displayed. Originally known as the Alise Water Tower due to its location on Alīses Street, the tower was later raised by 7.5 meters in the 1930s by engineer Pāvils Pavulāns. This unique reconstruction involved raising the top of the tower with jacks and building new brick rows underneath, all while the tower continued to supply water to Riga's residents. From 1991 to 2010, the tower was used as an underground recording studio called 'Tornis'. While various ideas have been proposed for its reuse, the municipality has been hesitant to implement them. The Āgenskalns Water Tower stands as an important example of historical architecture and engineering, embodying Riga's industrial past.

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