JenTower, High-rise building in Jena, Germany
The JenTower is a cylindrical high-rise with 29 floors that rises to roughly 145 meters above Jena's cityscape. The building currently houses offices, a hotel, restaurants, and an observation deck located around 128 meters above ground.
The tower opened in 1973 as a research facility for VEB Carl Zeiss Jena, designed by East German architect Hermann Henselmann. Its telescope-inspired shape was an intentional symbol of the city's importance in optical and precision manufacturing.
The cylindrical building reflects East German design language and connects to Jena's long history as a center for optical research and innovation. Its slender, round shape serves as a visual symbol of scientific progress rooted in the city's industrial past.
The observation deck provides a view over Jena and the surrounding landscape, though weather conditions can affect visibility. It's worth checking conditions beforehand to make sure the climb will reward you with clear sightlines.
The building underwent a thorough overhaul between 1999 and 2000, receiving a new glass facade that transformed its original appearance completely. This renovation marked the shift from a scientific research facility to a mixed-use commercial space.
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