© flickr.com/David Stanley
© flickr.com/David Stanley

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Water Tower - the first water supplier in Chisinau

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Everybody in Chisinau knows the Water Tower - once the first and the only water supplier in Chisinau. It is situated in the center of the city, on the corner of Alexey Mateevici and Banulescu-Bodoni streets. Currently, the tower represents the monument of the industrial architecture and serves as the residence of the National Museum of History of Chisinau. You will surely notice this place because the tower is huge, and it stands out on the general image of the center part of the capital. To have a nice view of the city landscape, you can go right here, at the top of the Water Tower. How to do that and is it free of charge? Let's find out! 

© iStock/ShevchenkoAndrey
© iStock/ShevchenkoAndrey

The twin towers 

The Water Tower was built in the year 1892 by the famous architect Alexander Bernardazzi in eclectic style. It was the starting point of the centralized city water supplier. Together with the tower, the first city water pipes were set. One of the most initiative mayors of Chisinau, Karl Schmidt, decided to build the twin towers in the city. His plan was successfully realized - the other tower was established on the crossroads of Vasile Alexandri and Veronica Micle streets. However, in the year 1963, it was blown up. The government decided not to restore it, so now there is only one left. 

© oldchisinau.com/unknown author
© oldchisinau.com/unknown author

From the year 1892 until 1940, the building of the Historical Museum of Chisinau served as the Water Tower. Since 1940, the building was used as a fire tower as well. Its stable foundation and, in general, excellent project planning helped the tower to withstand many earthquakes. In 1980, here were shot the scenes from the movie named “The song - My Love”, with famous actors Sofia Rotaru and Grigory Georgiu. In the same year, the tower was closed and rebuilt in stone for a more stable position, because the building was initially made of wood. Five years later, in 1985, a city museum was finally opened here. A spiral metal staircase, a very beautiful one, was preserved inside the tower. However, during the reconstruction in 1990, after the huge earthquake, an elevator, as the addition, was built due to the enormous damage of the building. 

Permanent exhibitions and the stunning view

Being a modern and a truly beautiful spot, the tower has a splendid terrace on its top floor. It offers a stunning view of the city. From this place, you can enjoy the picturesque panorama of Chisinau. In addition, what's very curious, in 2011, 8 searchlights were installed around the top of the tower, changing the color of the rays every 10 seconds when the night comes. This has "breathed a new life" into the old building. What about the entrance to the museum? It is free of charge! Also, note, that the museum provides guests with a guide, that describes everything connected to the tower in detail.

Today, the Water Tower holds the permanent exhibition named the "History of the City". Its showpieces are unique things, collected throughout the whole country that can tell us about the history of Chisinau from the 15th century up to the year 1980. The things that are presented in the first water supplier are the real treasure of our nation. 

©  iStock/frimufilms
© iStock/frimufilms
Water Tower, Chisinau
Water Tower, Chisinau
Strada Alexei Mateevici 60A, Chişinău, Moldova

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The author

Vladlena Martus

Vladlena Martus

My name is Vladlena and I am originally from Moldova. Currently I’m based in Saint-Petersburg where I study journalism. I love writing, traveling and taking photos, trying to enjoy my life as much as I can!

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