Karostas ūdenstornis
OPENING HOURS
Free of charge
in June, July and August
Mon 13:00 - 17:00
Tue 13:00 - 17:00
Wed 13:00 - 17:00
Thu 13:00 - 17:00
Fri 13:00 - 17:00
Sat 13:00 - 17:00
Sun 13:00 - 17:00
The silhouette of the water tower on Ģenerāļa Baloža Street is noticeable from afar. It is an architectural monument of national importance and, remarkably, it was build in 1905. At that time, water was pumped into the attics of surrounding houses three times a day for certain hours, using steam powered water pumps. Then people could fill their baths, buckets and other containers with water. In Soviet times steam pumps were replaced by electric ones.
The water tower had a significant role in Latvian War of Independence in November 1919. While the Latvian Army repelled the attacks of the Bermont-Avalov battle group, Allied-British warship artillery fire was adjusted over the telephone from the water tower. It played a crucial role in the defense battles.
The interior of the tower is usually not available for daily viewing, but in summers the tower serves as a residence for artists. Thus, during certain working hours during the summer season, you can not only see the interiors of the grand tower but also visit the open workshops of artists, watch the creative process and enjoy the exhibition of works they brought with them.
The Karosta
Water Tower can be visited free of charge throughout the summer until the 31
August.