Atop the Historic Tower in Swakopmund the wind whispers tales of a bygone era. This isn’t just any tower. It’s the heart of the Woermannhaus a landmark built in 1905. Originally named the Damara Tower it served as a vital lookout point. Observers scanned the ocean for approaching ships and the desert for ox wagons.
Imagine the scene bustling with activity. The Damara and Namaqua Trading Company thrived here. Employees and guests filled its rooms. The “Vorstekamer” a grand reception area hosted up to sixty people. Its walls and ceilings crafted in Germany at the end of the 19th century speak of elegance and sophistication.
Prince Albrecht of Prussia himself visited in 1907. He stayed at the Woermann House attending a gathering in the Fabersaal. He even named the three front rooms “Vorstekamers.” The building was rarely empty. Workers students and Boers travelling by ox wagon all found refuge within its walls.
The Historic Tower wasn’t just for viewing. It was central to the town’s life. It symbolized trade exploration and connection. It witnessed the transition from the Damara and Namaqua Trading Company to Woermann Brock & Co in 1909. E Wardesky the company’s manager lived on the ground floor with his family. He remained as manager of Woermann Brock & Co even after the company changed hands. He died in Swakopmund in 1929.
After Wardesky’s death Wilhelm Brock took over. The building had several uses. It served as a school dormitory and a sailors’ hostel. Sadly it fell into disrepair but thankfully it was declared a national monument and restored in 1976 at a cost of R230 000. Today the Swakopmund Arts Association and the public library share its space.
Climb the Historic Tower today. Feel the cool breeze against your skin. Absorb the panoramic view. Let the spirit of the past sweep over you. The tower is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to Swakopmund’s captivating history. A place where the whispers of the wind carry the voices of the past.