Gasometer Schlieren, Industrial heritage site in Schlieren, Switzerland
Gasometer Schlieren is a tall cylindrical steel structure built around 1900 to store gas and marked by its clean geometric form. The vessel rests on heavy foundations and is now topped by a modern protective framework that functions like a large canopy.
The building was erected in 1899 as part of gas supply infrastructure and served to store town gas produced in Zurich. After the switch to natural gas in 1974, the facility lost its original purpose but was protected due to its historical importance.
The structure shaped the look of Schlieren for generations as a prominent landmark tied to the town's energy history. Its presence reminds visitors how communities once depended on industrial facilities for basic services that later evolved.
The best time to visit is during dry weather when the metal structure is fully visible without precipitation obscuring details. Guided tours are available on certain days, so plan ahead or explore the exterior at your own pace.
In 2020, a suspended protective structure was installed over the vessel, functioning like an umbrella to shield the metalwork from weather. This solution shows a creative way to protect a century-old work without traditional restoration.
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