Former Water Tower, Chișinău Travel Guide

The Former Water Tower is a significant architectural monument in Chișinău, Moldova, located on Alexei Mateevici Street. Constructed in the late 19th century, it was designed by Alexander Bernadazzi and served as a crucial component of the city's water system. The tower provided approximately 2,000 tonnes of water per day to the central part of the city.The tower's structure is made of local rock and brick, with walls varying in width from 50 centimeters at the top to 2 meters at the bottom. Originally, access to the upper floors was via a spiral staircase; during renovations, an elevator was installed. The upper level, initially made of wood, was destroyed by an earthquake and later rebuilt with stone. The tower faced significant structural damage during the 1990 Vrancea earthquakes and underwent extensive restoration, reopening in the autumn of 2011.Today, the Former Water Tower hosts the Chișinău City Museum, showcasing items from the 15th to 20th centuries. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the city's history and enjoy panoramic views of Chișinău from the top floor. The museum also hosts exhibitions of legacy and modern paintings and photographs, as well as various cultural events.