Vodárna na Hladnově Lookout tower

Welcome. You're standing in front of one of the most significant buildings in this part of town. Take a look at this massive tower that rises above the surrounding area and immediately attracts every sight with its presence. Vodárna na Hladnově is not just an ordinary building, it is a symbol of growth and technical progress that has influenced this area so strongly in the past. Feel the atmosphere of a place where the practical need of people is combined with high artistic expression. This building, which you are now seeing, is very dignified and at the same time a solid point in a rapidly changing urban environment.

Let's go back in time together and understand why this tower was created. More than a hundred years ago, exactly in 1908 and 1909, Slezská Ostrava went through a period of major changes. The city needed water security and at the same time it had to face the danger of the industrial boom at the time, especially the risk of fires. Therefore, this construction was designed as a unique combination of two important functions. It wasn't just a water tower that was used to store and distribute water, but it also contained a firehouse. This dual purpose required a very sophisticated plan. The whole project was prepared by architect Jaroslav Volenec, who was able to combine technical complexity with aesthetic beauty. Thanks to his vision, a useful object became a real town in a small one that served citizens in every sense of the word.

Now pay attention to the very form of the building in front of you. If you look at its shapes and lines, you'll notice that the building doesn't match the normal industrial objects of that time. The whole solution is based on principles of geometrical Art Nouveau. This means that instead of excessive and chaotic decorating, the architect focused on pure shapes, rhythm and harmony of geometric elements. Notice how the tower floats and how its parts are logically linked to each other. One of the most important elements you can see is the observation tower, which supplies the whole at the height of its unmistakable character. This part of the building was designed to allow people to view the city from a height, which adds a social dimension to the building.

When looking at the details of the object, however, your attention must stop on something really special. Note the ceramic relief that is part of the fountain. This work of art called Woman above the Spring is the real treasure of this monument. It's the work of respected sculptors, Stanislav and Vojtěch Suchard. This ceramic element gives the tree technical object softness and human dimension. It is these details, which combine craft, art and technology, that make the water works on Hladnov so rare a whole.

This building is also the result of the cooperation of many talented people. In addition to the main designer Jaroslav Volence, other architects such as Jiří Gwuzd and Václav Šafář participated in the final form. Their joint work has created a whole that has lasted centuries. Let us not forget the sculpting families who put their soul and artistic value into the building. Every stone and every ceramic detail here tells the story of an effort to create something lasting and beautiful, even if it is a building used for practical purposes.

It's interesting to see the fate of this tower change throughout the century. After its initial operation, when it served as a water facility and fire station, the construction has undergone many reconstructions over the years. One of the biggest turns in her history was 1973. In this period, the object transformed and began to serve people even for leisure. A restaurant called Panorama opened here and also a space for relaxation, i.e. sauna. This change meant that the tower stopped being a technical point and became a place to meet people and rest. This new feature helped the construction stay in the memory of the inhabitants even when industrial Ostrava was changing. Finally, in 1992, this important building was officially declared a cultural monument, which ensured its protection for future generations.

Perhaps you're interested in the idea of how one building could change its character so fundamentally. From the indispensable machine for water and protection from fire, to the place for feasts and rest, to today's role of silent and noble monuments. There's a mystery about how she managed to maintain her original soul despite all these changes. It's the geometrical Art Nouveau that keeps her together and doesn't allow her to fit into the grey of an industrial city.

Now that you know the story of this building, I suggest you continue your walk and look at it again, but this time with the knowledge of everything you've just heard. Feel her shapes, look for details, and imagine the lives of people who worked here over a hundred years ago. Thank you for spending this moment with us. We wish you a wonderful discovery of other secrets in this area and enjoy the rest of your day. Goodbye.