When exploring the heart of Brive-la-Gaillarde, your eyes are naturally drawn to the striking stone structure that stands as a testament to 19th-century engineering: The Water Tower. Built in 1834, this building was originally designed for a very practical purpose, though its journey since then has been anything but ordinary.
A History of Survival
Originally, the tower housed a sophisticated lifting machine designed to pump canal water to power the city’s decorative fountains. However, the project faced a major hurdle—the filtration system failed to properly purify the water.
By 1848, the city reached a point of frustration and made the formal decision to demolish the building. Fortunately for us today, that order was never carried out. The tower stood its ground, even as it became obsolete for its original purpose by the year 1900.
From Utility to Tourism
Over the decades, the Water Tower proved its versatility. It served as:
- A Tollgate: Managing local traffic and commerce.
- An Advertising Medium: Serving as a prominent landmark for city notices.
- A Tourist Hub: Eventually becoming the well-known headquarters of the local tourist office.
See Brive from a New Height
Today visitors can now climb the tower to enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of Brive’s beautiful stone rooftops and surrounding landscapes. Access to the top is completely free of charge, making it the perfect budget-friendly stop for a panoramic photo op during your walk through town.