Alte Wasserkunst, Renaissance water tower in Bautzen, Germany.
The Alte Wasserkunst is a Renaissance water tower in Bautzen rising to 47 meters with a distinctive stone facade. The building contains multiple levels with exhibitions about water systems and offers views across the city from observation areas.
Construction of this water supply system began in 1558 and represented a major advancement in urban infrastructure. The facility has shaped Bautzen's townscape since then and shows the engineering skill of the Renaissance.
The tower and the neighbouring Michaeliskirche are regarded together as landmarks of Bautzen, and drivers entering the old town over the Friedensbrücke see the tower first. A legend tells of a monk who designed the first wooden structure; when no water reached the Fleischmarkt, he fled to the Drohmberg, dreamed a frog was blocking the pipes, returned and removed it.
Visitors can explore the interior and climb stairs to reach observation platforms with views across the city. Plan time for the ascent and wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
The tower's eccentric helm, set off-centre toward the town, created extra space for mounting cannon, since the waterworks doubled as part of Bautzen's fortifications. A covered parapet runs around its lower section. Since 1965 the waterworks has been a technical museum, and a water turbine now stands where the original waterwheel once turned, generating a small amount of electricity from the Spree.
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