Beneath our feet lie the forgotten foundations. The Hohenplauensches Wasserhaus once stood tall. This wasn’t just any building. It was a vital part of Dresden’s history. For centuries it ensured the city’s water supply.
Imagine the bustling streets of Dresden. The Hohenplauensches Wasserhaus played a crucial role in the city’s life. Its location in Plauen near Dresden was strategic. Water flowed from the Bienertmühle mill. Wooden pipes channeled this water. They carried this precious resource directly into the heart of Dresden. This is the “Röhrwasser” the famed pipe water. It wasn’t just one pipeline. There were also Mittelplauensche and Niederplauensche pipelines. They drew water from the Weiße Elster mill.
The story of the Hohenplauensches Wasserhaus goes back to the 15th century. Franciscan monks were the first users. They channeled water to their convent. Later under Duke Moritz of Saxony Caspar Vogt von Wierandt a renowned fortress builder took over. In 1542 he constructed a wooden pipeline. It connected Plauen to Dresden’s Altmarkt. This was the beginning of the Hochplauensche water system. By 1589 there were 22 separate pipelines. A special pipe was built in 1720. Called the “eiserne Zwingerröhre” the iron Zwinger pipe supplied water to the Zwinger Palace’s fountains. This was ordered by Elector Friedrich August I.
The Hohenplauensches Wasserhaus was rebuilt many times. The final renovation happened in 1862. Three water intakes were fitted with advanced technology. These improvements included filters and shut-off valves. The Wasserhaus remained in use into the 20th century. Sadly it fell into disrepair during the 1980s. It was eventually demolished. Only its foundations remain. These were rediscovered by WIMAD e V. Dresden a local research group. They uncovered the hidden legacy beneath our feet.
The Hohenplauensches Wasserhaus stands as a testament to Dresden’s resourcefulness. It was a hidden powerhouse supplying life to the city. The foundations we see today are a reminder of its importance. The Hohenplauensches Wasserhaus’s story is a silent whisper of Dresden’s past. It reminds us that even seemingly insignificant structures play a key role in history.