Water tower at 1 Maja Street in Racibórz

The Racibórz Water Tower, put into operation on September 23, 1874, is a monumental structure standing 25 meters tall, with a steel plate tank capable of holding 500 m³ of water. The construction of the tower and other waterworks facilities took place on land that was gradually purchased, starting with an initial acquisition in 1838. The tower was designed to draw water from the nearby Oder River, which was then purified and pumped into the tank. The main recipients of the water were the railway and Racibórz's growing industry. In the 1930s, as the city expanded, the tower became insufficient, prompting the construction of a new tower in Stara Wieś. Despite its greater efficiency, the new tower generated excessive pressure, so the old one continued to supply most of the city. An interesting fact is that the new tower was used by the Nazis for propaganda purposes. Today, the water tower at 1 Maja Street is no longer in use, and the Racibórz Water and Sewage Company is considering its commercial use, highlighting the potential for preserving and revitalizing historical heritage. The culture and history of the structure are intertwined with its architectural merits, and the Racibórz water tower is a valuable element of local identity and a testament to the engineering ingenuity of its era.