{"id":2041,"date":"2020-05-29T12:15:13","date_gmt":"2020-05-29T11:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.regionsaris.sk\/historia\/vodarenska-veza\/"},"modified":"2026-08-14T12:46:22","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T11:46:22","slug":"vodarenska-veza","status":"publish","type":"historia","link":"https:\/\/www.regionsaris.sk\/en\/historia\/vodarenska-veza\/","title":{"rendered":"Water tower 300 m above sea level."},"content":{"rendered":"

The water tower is one of the most striking examples of engineering heritage Pre\u0161ov<\/a>. It stands in the T\u00e1borisko district, in the centre of the triangular National Uprising Square, in the town\u2019s highest-lying housing estate at an altitude of approximately 300 metres above sea level. It no longer serves its original purpose \u2013 since 2013, it has been open to the public as a viewing tower and has become one of the favourite stops for visitors to the \u0160ari\u0161 region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Architect Viliam Glasz and the construction of the tower<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The tower was designed by the architect Viliam Glasz (1882\u20131957), who was born in Szeged, Hungary. He settled in Pre\u0161ov around 1910, and the water tower was one of the first buildings he constructed in the town. The builder was Mr Zajac from Pre\u0161ov.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite archival research, it has not been possible to determine the exact date of construction. Available sources date it to the period after 1910 and before 1918. Interestingly, the tower\u2019s construction was probably not directly linked to the building of the town\u2019s water supply system and waterworks, which were built in 1906 between Pre\u0161ov and \u013dubotice. It appears that the tower was used for the storage of service water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technical design of the building<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The tower stands 29 metres tall. At the top was a reservoir with a capacity of 350 cubic metres. The water stored at this height generated the necessary pressure in the water supply network without the need for continuous pumping \u2013 and it is precisely this principle that lies behind the characteristic shape of all water towers. The tank simply has to be higher than the taps it supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its location at the highest point of the town was therefore not an aesthetic choice, but a technical necessity. The base of the tower is surrounded by buildings whose floor plans mirror the triangular shape of the square \u2013 a solution which has naturally integrated the tower into the surrounding development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Years of neglect and restoration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Following the modernisation of the water supply network, the tower became redundant and fell into disuse. This was followed by 23 years during which the structure fell into disrepair without being used in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The complete renovation was successfully completed on 5 November 2013. The costs amounted to approximately 200,000 euros and the project was a joint investment by Pre\u0161ov City Council and the Pre\u0161ov Self-Governing Region. In the same year, the tower was listed as a tangible immovable monument of the city of Pre\u0161ov. A restaurant and shop were created in the lower part, whilst glazed viewing areas were built at the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The regeneration project is an example of how an industrial building that has lost its original function can be given a new, meaningful purpose. Instead of demolition, the city decided to preserve the distinctive silhouette that has been part of the T\u00e1borisko skyline for over a century and to give it a function it did not previously have \u2013 to open it up to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The water tower offers a unique view<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can reach the top by climbing 135 steps or, for a more comfortable option, by lift. This makes the tower accessible to families with young children and older visitors who might find the stairs difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The viewing terrace offers a view across the whole of Pre\u0161ov \u2013 the historic centre, the surrounding housing estates and the \u0160ari\u0161 hills. In good weather and with clear visibility, you can see as far as the High Tatras. The best conditions for photography are usually after rain or during the cooler months, when the air is clearer and the horizon is sharper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical information for visitors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The tower is open all year round and is managed by the municipal company Pre\u0161ov Real. At the base of the tower there is a caf\u00e9 of the same name, \u201eVe\u017ea\", and a lounge. Tickets for the viewing platform can be purchased on site at the caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tower stands to the east of the historic centre, outside the town\u2019s conservation area, but the centre is within easy walking distance. The climb itself and the tour of the viewing platform take just a short while, so it\u2019s ideal to combine a visit with a stop at a caf\u00e9 or a stroll into the town centre. It\u2019s suitable all year round \u2013 unlike many viewing points, the top is covered and glazed, so you can enjoy the view even outside the summer season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: OOCR R\u0160
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