Monumental landmark of the city of Mönchengladbach
Address: New Water Tower, Viersener Straße 115, 41063 Mönchengladbach | Built: 1907 to 1909 | Architectural style: Art Nouveau | Height: 51 m
A special warning sign in Mönchengladbach is located on Viersener Straße and is impossible to miss. It refers to the water tower, also known as the New Water Tower. This historic building was inaugurated in 1909. The water tower was built as part of the northern expansion of the city and is a true beauty among its sights. It is not without reason that it is considered one of the most beautiful water towers in Germany. Unique features of the period’s architecture can be discovered on and inside the water tower.
Directions and location of Mönchengladbach’s landmark
The new water tower in Mönchengladbach is located directly on Viersener Straße and can also be reached via Lindenstraße. The monumental structure is embedded in a residential area that is similar in age to the water tower. The area is bordered not only by Viersener Straße and Lindenstraße, but also by Bebericher Straße and Am neuen Wasserturm. The imposing building can also be reached via Hagenkreuzstraße.
Opening Hours and Tours
The new water tower on Viersener Straße in Mönchengladbach can be viewed from the outside at any time. From March to August, the building can also be admired from the inside. Tours take place on the first Saturday of every month. The magnificent panoramic view of St. Vitus’s City from above is particularly recommended.
Water Tower Tour Dates
First Saturday of March to August
10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m.
More information about tours is available from NVV AG, the energy supplier in Mönchengladbach. The former pump attendant’s house is also worth a visit after the water tower tour. This building hosts young talent from the art scene for two years each year.
Admission Prices for the New Water Tower on Viersener Straße
Those wishing to visit the new water tower in Mönchengladbach do not need to pay an admission fee.
Guided Tours of the Viersener Straße Water Tower
The water tower on Viersener Straße invites visitors to visit the tower every first Saturday of the month. From March to August, interested parties have the opportunity to take part in guided tours at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the New Water Tower
When was the New Water Tower built?
The New Water Tower in Mönchengladbach was built in 1909 to improve the city’s water supply. It is a striking landmark of the city and was constructed in the historicist style. The tower served as a water tower until 1962 and was later converted into apartments.
What is the significance of the Viersener Straße Water Tower?
The water tower on Viersener Straße in Mönchengladbach is a historic landmark of the city and a symbol of the city’s water supply.
How tall is the New Water Tower in Mönchengladbach?
The New Water Tower in Mönchengladbach is approximately 51 meters high.
How many steps does the water tower in Mönchengladbach have?
The water tower in Mönchengladbach has a total of 234 steps leading up to the observation deck at its top.
New Water Tower on Viersener Straße – Special Features and Interesting Facts
The new water tower on Viersener Straße is a historic building that was completed in 1909 after a construction period of two years. It cost 216,000 gold marks at the time. The 51-meter-high tower is particularly striking. Its Art Nouveau architecture is unmistakable.
The upper ring of sculptures depicts the then mayor of Mönchengladbach, Hermann Piecq, and his family. Piecq’s son is depicted as Saint Vitus in the city’s coat of arms. Other elements of the sculptural ring include various animals whose habitat is water.
Taking a closer look at the water tower from the outside, one immediately notices the wide, 11-meter-high base. Two stepped cornices and ledges are visible, upon which the water tower is mounted, rising 19 meters into the air. The tower’s structure, consisting of eight rows of bricks that extend below the sculptural crown, is also immediately noticeable.
During the construction of the tower, windows were also integrated into the central section of the façade. The top section, with an octagonal domed roof and large lantern, arches outward. Inside, there are two staircases. These lead to the water tanks. A spiral staircase leads up to the lantern. From there, you can enjoy a unique view of Mönchengladbach.
Historical information and history of the new Viersener Straße water tower
The water tower took only two years to build. It was officially inaugurated on November 14, 1909. The construction was not just about creating a new landmark in Mönchengladbach. Much more important was the city’s expansion and the need to ensure an optimal water supply.
The plans for the water tower were drawn up by city architect Otto Greiß. He wanted to set a precedent for urban development in Mönchengladbach, which he succeeded in doing. The tower is decorated with stone sculptures created by Mönchengladbach sculptor Emil Hollweg.
The water tower contains two tanks, one above the other, to supply water to the inner-city area and the northern districts. The lower tank has a capacity of approximately 2,300 m³. It is responsible for supplying water to the lower-lying districts of Mönchengladbach.
The upper town receives its water from the upper tank, which has a capacity of 800 m³. This water tower has a unique feature that makes it considered an architectural masterpiece. No retaining wall was incorporated into the tower’s construction. Accordingly, the weight of the upper water tank is supported solely by the tower’s outer walls.
The water tower was spared massive damage from bombing raids during World War II and was thus able to ensure the water supply. The new water tower in Mönchengladbach includes the stair tower, the pump house, and the guard’s quarters.
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of the new Viersener Straße water tower
In the immediate vicinity of the new Viersener Straße water tower in Mönchengladbach is the Bunte Garten (Colorful Garden), a 30-hectare green space with charming features to discover and admire. There are numerous truly ancient trees, beautifully landscaped paths, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy nature.
A stroll through the area around the water tower also reveals distinctive house facades. Among them are houses from the Art Nouveau period with their typical architecture, as well as some that are listed as historical monuments.
A little further away is the Abteiberg Municipal Museum. Art lovers can immerse themselves in modern art there. There are also constantly changing exhibitions where modern paintings can be viewed. The associated sculpture park is an open-air exhibition space for modern installations.
Another highlight is the Abbey Garden. It features, among other things, a sculpture by Claes Oldenburg. It is called “Soft inverted Q” and cannot be overlooked due to the pink color on the surface.
Cafés and restaurants near the new water tower on Viersener Straße
Near the new water tower in Mönchengladbach, there are several restaurants and cafés where you can indulge in delicious food and tasty drinks. Regional, seasonal, and international cuisine is served in a cozy atmosphere.
The Frenzen Restaurant & Event, located at Waldhausener Straße 89, offers its guests contemporary German cuisine, where vegetarians and vegans are also catered for. Freshly prepared salads, tasty meat dishes, vegetarian and vegan dishes, and delicious desserts are served in a pleasant atmosphere.
Address: Frenzen Restaurant & Event, Waldhausener Straße 89, 41061 Mönchengladbach
Kulturküche
If you want to enjoy delicious coffee specialties, tasty waffles, or light lunches, the Kulturküche, located at Waldhausener Straße 64, is the perfect place. Guests are treated to German, international, and European cuisine, as well as delicious coffee. And you don’t even need to spend a lot of money to enjoy it.
Address: Café Kulturküche, Waldhausener Straße 64, 41061 Mönchengladbach
Die Laube
If you’re craving hearty German cuisine and a delicious beer, you should definitely visit Die Laube, Viersener Straße 194. The menu features typical delicacies such as Himmel un Äd (a kind of fried dish), tasty steaks, and delicious schnitzel creations, all lovingly served to guests. In addition to non-alcoholic beverages, there’s a nice selection of wine and beer.
Address: Die Laube, Viersener Straße 194, 41061 Mönchengladbach
Pizzeria Bella Napoli
If you’re hungry for pizza, pasta, carpaccio, or a delicious salad, you can enjoy these Italian delicacies at Pizzeria Bella Napoli, located at Lindenstraße 99. They offer a fine selection of wines and an espresso after your meal. The typically Italian ambiance invites you to linger and enjoy.
Address: Pizzeria Bella Napoli, Lindenstraße 99, 41061 Mönchengladbach
Die Eisdealer at Albertusstraße 26 is no ordinary ice cream parlor. Not only the ice cream creations, but also the cones set themselves apart from other ice cream parlors. In addition to classic ice cream flavors, you’ll also find truly exotic ice creams worth trying. Even the ice cream to go is all about attention to detail, which is especially evident in the delicious ice cream cones.
Address: Die Eisdealer, Albertusstraße 26, 41061 Mönchengladbach