Wasserturm Favoriten

The Favoriten Water Tower is a striking landmark of Vienna's 10th district, perched on the crest of the Wienerberg. Designed in the style of industrial historicism, the structure was drawn up by Franz Borkowitz and built between 1898 and 1899. The tower originally supplied water to the higher-lying areas of the 10th and 12th districts, since the pressure from the neighboring Wienerberg reservoir was not sufficient. The structure consists of a massive masonry cylinder that carries two large sheet-steel tanks. The central, goblet-shaped tank rests on a tall base and has a distinctive shape reminiscent of a glass bottle.

Today the landmark-protected tower is no longer in service for drinking water supply, since this role was needed only occasionally after the Hochquellenwasserleitung (the city's alpine spring water pipeline) went into operation in 1910 and was discontinued entirely in 1956. After a costly major renovation between 1988 and 1990, the interior of the tower was converted for cultural use. Visitors can experience the space for exhibitions and events related to the theme of water. A spiral ramp and a winding staircase in the conical roof lead up to a walkway above the roof. From there you get an impressive view over the city of Vienna that can be seen from far and wide.