Water tower, Water tower and Rijksmonument in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Water Tower in Utrecht is a brick industrial monument that rises over several levels and carries a large water reservoir at the top. Today it houses a restaurant with views in the upper floors, a tattoo studio in the middle section, and a café with outdoor terrace at ground level.
The tower was built in 1895 and supplied drinking water to the city until 1983. After that year, it served as a backup facility and was later restored to become a cultural and commercial space.
The tower is known locally as the "Water Cathedral" and became a landmark for the Zuilen neighborhood. Visitors can see how this former utility building has transformed into a social space that draws people from the surrounding area.
The stair climb is steep and requires good fitness, but elevators make access to the upper floors easier. It is best to visit the restaurant or café during opening hours to fully enjoy the views and interior spaces.
The building served as a museum from 1983 to 2010 that displayed the evolution of Dutch drinking water systems through exhibitions. This period left marks on how the neighborhood perceives and uses the place today.
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