Perhaps you’ve noticed this striking brick tower dominating the Prenzlauer Berg skyline. This is the Wasserturm. The Wasserturm is more than just a pretty structure. It’s a symbol of Berlin’s growth and resilience.
Completed in 1877, the Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg stands as Berlin’s oldest water tower. Henry Gill designed it. The English Waterworks Company built it. The Wasserturm was crucial for supplying water to the rapidly growing population.
Imagine a time when Berlin relied on wells. These wells were prone to contamination. The city needed a better system. The Wasserturm became part of the solution. It used piped water to reach residents.
Originally, the Wasserturm stored water in a large tank. Homes for the machinery operators were below the tank. These apartments are still inhabited today. They are highly sought after due to their unique location.
The Wasserturm wasn’t just about water. It has a dark chapter in its history. After the Nazis seized power, the SA misused the site. They turned the engine house into a “wild concentration camp” in 1933. Communists, Socialists, Jews and other perceived enemies were imprisoned here. They were even murdered without trial.
A memorial wall on the grounds now commemorates these crimes. The SA later demolished the camp in 1935. By 1937, the area became a public park.
After 1914, the Wasserturm’s capacity was not enough to supply the growing city. Up to 1952, the water tower served as a surge tank and pressure gauge.
Today, the Wasserturm is a residential building. Since 1994, the non-profit organisation Förderband has been using the water tank for public art events. The acoustics of the tank are remarkable. The echo in the large tank lasts 18 seconds. Remember to dress warmly if you visit. It can be quite cold inside.
Take the steep steps up to the park on the higher ground. This park was restored in 2007. It features beautiful roses. You can relax here and enjoy the atmosphere of Wasserturmplatz.
The Wasserturm has been included in the district’s emblem. It was the districts emblem from 1920 to 1987 and from 1987 until 1992.
The Wasserturm stands as a reminder of Berlin’s past. It represents both progress and darkness. Today, it’s a place of art, residence and remembrance. As you explore the area, take a moment to appreciate the Wasserturm’s complex story.