The Turnul de apă (water tower) in Chișinău is a significant architectural monument built at the end of the 19th century by architect Alexander Bernardazzi. Originally constructed to serve as a water supply tower for the city, it is located on one of the highest points in Chișinău and stands 22 to 27 meters tall, built with local stone and brick in an eclectic style. The tower played a crucial role in the development of the city’s first sewerage network during mayor Karl Schmidt’s term and functioned as a water tower until 1940, after which it was used by firefighters.
Today, the water tower houses the Museum of the City of Chișinău (Muzeul istoriei orașului Chișinău), which features four permanent exhibition halls showcasing the history of the city from the 15th to the 20th century. The museum’s collection includes artifacts such as a clay vessel from the 4th century AD, and the upper floors often host temporary exhibitions, art shows, photography displays, and cultural events like concerts. The museum opened in 1971 and has undergone several renovations, reopening fully in 2011 after repairs from earthquake damage. Unfortunately, there are only few English texts making understanding the exhibits uneasy.
Visitors to the Turnul de apă can take an elevator installed during renovations to reach the top of the tower, where they are rewarded with panoramic views of Chișinău. This vantage point offers a unique perspective on the cityscape, making the water tower not only a place of historical interest but also a popular spot for enjoying the beauty of the city from above.
Turnul de apă din Chișinău
Muzeul istoriei orașului Chișinău
Chișinău
Moldova
Loading map...
