Staraya Russa water tower

Rising 38 metres and 126 steps above the ground, the water tower’s top observation deck provides the most breathtaking view of Staraya Russa.

Access to the observation deck is limited to small groups of five or six at a time.

The tower’s ground level hosts the Bashnya Tourist Information Centre, where you can buy souvenirs, sign up for a guided tour, and get the information you need about the city and its attractions.

The second and third levels offer exhibits by local painters and craftsmen. The observation deck is on the fourth level.

Built in 1908-1909 by the Bryansk Factory Society, the Staraya Russa water supply system has a length of over 11 km or 10 versts, to use a traditional Russian unit of length. The city had multiple hydraulic installations across its territory and water columns, appearing in many old photos from Staraya Russa.

Interestingly, Staraya Russa’s first water supply system dates back to the 12th century, as evidenced by the oak remnants unearthed by archaeologists.

It is also a fact that in the following centuries Staraya Russa was literally unable to quench its thirst, with drinking water remaining a scarce commodity. The city stands on three rivers, but this did little to solve the problem. Water from the Polist River had an unpleasantly salty taste, while the Porusye and the Peererytitsa, the two other rivers, started in the swamps, so local residents could not use that water either.

It was only in 1908 that the construction of a water tower got underway. It was built in modern style.

Crowning the city water supply system, the water tower was 50 m high with walls 125 cm thick and an inner dimension area of 5.1 m.

The tower suffered extensive damage during the Great Patriotic War and did not undergo any proper restoration for a long time.

It was only in 2019 that the long-awaited restoration effort got underway. The tower has the status of a regional civil architecture monument. The project included rebuilding the fourth level as it was in 1909, replacing damaged brickwork and rotted window frames, and restoring the staircase’s metal decor. A second staircase was added for tourists. The effort also included recreating mettlach floor tiling based on the design of the remaining flooring.

The Staraya Russa water tower restoration project was nominated for the 2020 Golden Trezzini Awards in the Best Implemented Restoration / Reconstruction Project category.

The project included rebuilding the tower’s fourth level and creating an observation deck there. The tower also hosts a tourist information centre and an exhibition space. Its brickwork and metal staircase benefited from repairs, and the architects recreated mettlach floor tiling following the original designs. The effort also provided for installing the necessary engineering and utilities networks to ensure the site’s safe operation.