Poldertoren, Water tower and tourist attraction in Emmeloord, Netherlands.
The Poldertoren is a water tower with an octagonal form standing 65 meters tall in the Noordoostpolder region. Its crown features a gold-plated copper weathervane shaped like a cog ship, reflecting the area's maritime heritage.
The tower was built between 1958 and 1959 following a design by Amsterdam architect H. van Gent, who won a competition in 1950 for Waterleiding Mij Overijssel. Its construction was part of developing the Noordoostpolder, which emerged as a new landscape during the 1950s reclamation project.
The carillon bells were funded by community donations and create a distinctive soundscape throughout the day. Residents connect these tones with their daily routines and the changing seasons.
Visitors can climb 243 steps to reach the observation platform at 43.4 meters and enjoy views across the flat polder landscape. The vantage point helps you understand the wide-open terrain and the region's water management systems.
The tower serves simultaneously as a water reservoir, carillon housing, and observation point, combining practical and cultural functions in one structure. This multipurpose design makes it a working monument that serves the city's needs every day.
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