Vodárna (Cihelny) Water tower

Welcome to Jaroměři. You are standing in a place that carries a deep relic of technical history and reminds us of a time when the world around us began to change at a rapid pace of modernization. In front of your eyes, there is a water tower that is located in a part called the Brickles. This object is not just an ordinary building, but it is a testament to the progress that has brought the people of this city a basic need for living in a modern way. Behold her line, her presence in the landscape. This tower looks strong and very logical, which is typical of its style.

Let us now go back in time together to understand why this building was created in the first place and how important it was for the people at that time. In front of him is a story that began to be written in a thousand nine hundred twenty-seven. At that time, Jaroměř needed a reliable and effective way to supply the city with water. The need for a modern water tower was essential for further development of the city and its inhabitants. The whole process of building this important water building was started in the year one thousand nine hundred twenty-seven and lasted until one thousand nine hundred twenty-eight. During these two years, there was a constant construction that was meant to turn life into Jaroměři for the better.

Now pay attention to the very form of the construction you are currently observing. This tower is an excellent example of architecture, which we call functionalism. This direction in the field of building art places enormous emphasis on the shape of the building directly corresponding to its practical use. Nothing here is useless, nothing here disrupts the purity of the intention. Everything you see has a reason and a purpose. Notice how the whole building is divided into four basic parts. These breakdowns give the tower a rhythm while ensuring the necessary stability and balance. When you look at its structure, you can feel the close cooperation between technical thought and artistic design.

This harmonious relationship between technique and aesthetics was possible thanks to the work of two prominent personalities. The project was prepared by Mr Jan Vladimír Hráský. He was the one who had to ensure that all the technical parameters, all the calculations and all the needs of the city were met. However, the architect František Janda, who created the architectural design, followed on to his project. It is thanks to their joint efforts that a work has been created, which is not only a water machine, but also a beautiful building monument. Although we do not have detailed records of their personal lives or every detail of their work, their link is felt here in every metre of this construction.

Now let's look at what's inside and how this tower really worked. Imagine the enormous force that was stored in this building. High above you, at a height of 20 meters, there was a tank with an incredible volume of four hundred cubic meters. This is the amount of water that is absolutely vital to the city. But what's most interesting about it? This tower wasn't just a storage site. Thanks to the fact that the tank was so high, the water could flow into the city's water pipelines all by itself, without the need to use complex machines or a constant pump. This process is called self-pitying. Gravity, the natural force that keeps us on the ground, in this case, was the main aid that ensured that water flowed where it needed to be. It's a fascinating combination of physics and construction.

This technical monument served Jarometer for decades until the time came when technology changed again. In the year one thousand nine hundred and eighty five, the operation of this water plant was terminated. It was decided that the city's supply would now be provided from another source, namely the water tower located near Zahranov. Although the tower was no longer fulfilling its original function, its value as a cultural heritage remained undeniable. Already in the year one thousand nine hundred and eighty four, this building was included in the central list of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic, which provided protection for future generations.

Now if you look at this tower again, try to realize that you don't just see concrete and construction, but you see the resulting product of human knowledge and efforts to improve life. You see a work that could link the need for drinking water to the beauty of clean lines of functionalism. He is a silent guardian of history who still stands here and reminds us of the importance of caring for our technical and cultural treasures.

I hope this brief view of the history of the water tower in the Cihelns has taken you in and helped you better understand this place. Remember that Jaroměř offers many other interesting places to discover. So keep walking, look around and enjoy the atmosphere of this city. Thank you for your time and reading this guide. Goodbye.