Šítkovská vodárenská věž

Casting a long shadow over the Mánes building, the Šítkovská Water Tower stands as a silent witness to Prague’s vibrant past. The Šítkovská Water Tower, sometimes called Hořejší novoměstská, has a fascinating history. Let’s journey back to the late 15th century. The original Šítkovská Water Tower, constructed of wood, met a fiery end in 1501. Rebuilt and then destroyed again by fire in 1588, the tower finally found its enduring form in stone between 1588 and 1591. This sturdy structure, overseen by Karel Mlýnický, has defied time and numerous challenges. The Šítkovská Water Tower even bears the scars of war, damaged by Swedish cannon fire in 1648. Repaired by 1651, the tower gained its distinctive Baroque roof during this reconstruction. This roof, originally clad in wood, was later covered with sheet metal. For centuries, the Šítkovská Water Tower served a vital role, channeling Vltava River water to the fountains and homes of New Town and Old Town. This continued until 1847. Imagine the tower, its gears whirring, sending life-giving water throughout the city. Its working life ended in 1882 when its machinery was dismantled. The tower was nearly demolished but was saved thanks to the efforts of the Mánes Association of Fine Artists. Now, look closely at the Šítkovská Water Tower. Notice its slight lean. This 47-meter tall, square tower leans approximately 115 centimeters to the southeast, earning it the title of Prague’s most leaning tower. It’s a quirky detail that adds to the city’s charm. This lean is due to its construction on the sandy Vltava riverbed without proper foundations. A reinforced concrete foundation ring, added in 1927, thankfully stabilized the tower and prevented further leaning. The Šítkovská Water Tower holds a darker secret too. From 1977 to 1989, its top floor served as a StB observation post. From this vantage point, agents monitored the nearby apartment of dissident playwright Václav Havel. The tower, once a source of water, now a tool of surveillance. Today, the Šítkovská Water Tower remains a proud part of Prague’s skyline. It stands as a reminder of the city’s resilience and its rich tapestry of stories.