Imagine Dortmund without its soaring landmark. Hard to picture, isn’t it? Right before us stands the Florianturm, or Florian Tower. It’s not just a telecommunications tower. It’s a symbol of Dortmund.
The Florianturm got its name from St. Florian. He is the patron saint of gardeners. How fitting, given its home in Westfalenpark. This elegant tower has watched over Dortmund since 1959.
Back then, Dortmund hosted the Federal Horticultural Show. The Florianturm became its star attraction. At 219.6 meters, it briefly held the title of Germany’s tallest freestanding structure.
Think of it. A tower built in the style of a high concrete chimney. It tapers gracefully as it rises. At 130.6 meters, a building section houses two floors. The lower floor holds operation rooms. The upper floor boasts a revolving restaurant at 137.54 meters. Above that, at 141.88 and 144.7 meters, two observation decks offer stunning views.
Architect Will Schwarz of Dortmund won a competition. His design combined the observation tower with a rotating café platform. The Deutsche Bundespost provided financial aid. They used the tower as a radio relay station. The Hoesch company donated steel and cement. Construction took only eleven months.
The rotating café, seating 120 people at 150m, was the world’s first. Express lifts whisked guests to the observation deck above in under a minute. Those who feared heights could relax in a terrace café on the ground floor.
The Florianturm was almost nameless for a while. A competition was held. Eventually, “Florian” resonated with Dortmund’s population. Its Latin roots suited Westfalenpark’s flora.
Since 1959, the Florianturm has transmitted television signals. Deutsche Telekom operates installations and aerials on the upper observation deck.
In 2004, a Russian helicopter replaced the aerial. Since then, a 50-kilowatt transmitter broadcasts digital terrestrial television. The Florianturm now stands at 208.56 meters. It is the fourteenth highest structure in Germany.
Between 1996 and 1998, the tower was modernized. Safety standards were updated. From 2000 to 2003, a catwalk for bungee jumping thrilled visitors. Sadly, a fatal accident led to its closure.
The Florianturm’s foundation goes 8.10 meters deep. Its basement has a diameter of 25 meters. The tower weighs approximately 7,700 tons. It uses about 1,385 tons of cement.
In 2011 and 2012, the listed Florian Tower was renovated.
The Florianturm is more than just steel and concrete. It is a landmark. It is a testament to Dortmund’s innovation. It is a place for locals and tourists alike. Take a moment to appreciate the Florianturm. It is an enduring symbol of this vibrant city.