A silent sentinel it stands tall. The Wasserturm Eschersheim. Its neo-baroque form speaks of a bygone era. A time when Eschersheim was a separate village. A time before Frankfurt’s sprawling embrace.
This magnificent water tower wasn’t just a structure. It was the heart of Eschersheim’s water system. Built in 1901 alongside the first waterworks. The Wasserturm Eschersheim held a staggering 300000 liters of water. Imagine the vital role it played. A lifeline for a growing community.
The Wasserturm Eschersheim boasts a unique design. A cone-shaped shaft supports a cylindrical upper section. A prominent cornice with corbels sits between them. The iron water tank is clad in polygonal slate. Its distinctive polygonal mansard roof features dormers. Notice the decorative bay window on the north side. This little addition housed a staircase. A clever way to access the top of the tower without interfering with the water tank.
The Wasserturm Eschersheim served its purpose until 1910. That’s when Eschersheim became part of Frankfurt. The city’s centralized water system took over. The tower’s role changed. It survived the Second World War largely unscathed. A testament to its solid construction.
Today this impressive water tower has found a new purpose. Since 2003 it’s been home to the Catholic German student fraternity. Moeno-Franconia Frankfurt am Main. It’s open to the public only a few times a year.
Picture the scene. The Wasserturm Eschersheim standing proudly. Surrounded by the Am Lindenbaum housing estate. Designed by the renowned Walter Gropius in the 1920s. The tower stands as a silent witness to the evolution of this part of Frankfurt. A piece of history carefully preserved. A symbol of Eschersheim’s past and its enduring presence within the larger city. A reminder of the ingenuity and the essential services that shaped this neighborhood. The Wasserturm Eschersheim. A true treasure.