Vodárenská věž (Jičín) Water tower

The water tower in Jičín, situated on the dam of the Duke pond, is the oldest preserved secular building in the city and a significant dominant part of its northwest part. This monument is registered in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic under the number 45094 / 6-1097. Architectural evidence of the building development of the city and evidence of technical maturity and aesthetic level of its time. Originally a wooden structure was rebuilt in 1543 thanks to Vilém Trček from Lipa into the contemporary Renaissance form. Today the building serves as an art gallery and non-traditional accommodation, making it a unique place to visit.

The history of the tower dates back to 1502, when it first mentioned it in the list of Nicholas Trčka from Lipa. The original wooden element was part of the city's water supply system, which was the dam of the Prince pond. In 1543 Vilém Trčka z Lípy and Veleš transformed the building into a Renaissance style. This transformation not only enriched the architectural value of the city, but also showed a high degree of technological progress at the time.

The architecture of the tower is characterized by a square plan and massive stone blocks. The construction has five floors and is finished with a tent roof, which was originally covered by shingles, which were later replaced by shale. The eastern facade is decorated with a sun clock that gives the appearance another historical dimension. Originally, there was a pumping pressure equipment powered by a water wheel in the tower. He carried water through iron pipes to a copper tank on the top floor. From there, the water was distributed to the city's cashew and to the castle through the pine pipes connected by iron holes.

Over the years, the tower has undergone several changes to ownership and modifications. After major repairs in 1649 and other reconstruction in 1845 and 1876, when a new pumping system was installed, it gradually lost its original meaning. This happened with the construction of a modern water pipeline from Studeňan in 1907. In 1993 it was bought by the Jičín artist Petr Heber, who set up a gallery of his works based on the recycling of found objects. After 2013, a complete reconstruction of the building took place with emphasis on the use of original materials and period mobility.

Today the tower serves as an unconventional accommodation with artistic exposure. The interior is divided into five floors, which consists of a bedroom, bathroom, lounge, entrance hall and cellar. The offer also includes exhibitions of works of art and collectors' items related to the history of the building and the tradition of the fabulous town of Jičín. Local rumors of a malicious John who, according to legend, haunts the basement add another layer of mysticism to the place.

The Water Tower is not only an architectural monument, but also a witness to the rich history of Jičín. From the first written mention to the present, its history reflects changes in the city and its population. Thanks to its new function as gallery and hostel attracts visitors from around the world who want to explore its unique character. It is a place that is worth visiting the lovers of architecture and those looking for fairy tale experiences in the heart of the Czech Republic.