The Engineer Ince Tower, also known as Verevskaya Tower, is a rather unusual landmark in Saint Petersburg. It is a dilapidated water tower from the early 20th century, and its atmosphere of desolation gives it a unique charm.
How to Get There
The simplest option is to use public transport. Take the metro to the "Moskovskaya" station, then walk a short distance to the "Defenders of Leningrad" monument. From there, board bus No. 150 (fare in autumn 2018 was 40 rubles, and "Podorozhnik" cards are accepted) and travel to the final stop "Zhilgorodok Lesnoye." After that, a walk of about two kilometers will get you to the tower.
History of the Tower
Construction of the tower took place from 1901 to 1904 and was part of a new water supply system from the Orlovskie Springs to Tsarskoye Selo. It is located at the highest point of the water supply system, and its height of 46 meters adds to the monumentality of the structure. The tower is named after its designer, Otto Ince, a German engineer. Due to translation difficulties, the name was altered, and it became known as Ince Tower.
Current Condition
Ince Tower suffered significant damage during World War II but, unlike other structures of the water supply system, was never restored. It stands in a field, a reminder of its former grandeur.
Little remains of the tower's technological structures. However, the walls themselves are well-preserved and will last for a long time. The roof's supports are still visible, and some windows retain their frames, though without glass. In the lower part of the tower, you can see the cast-iron water supply pipe running beneath the reservoir support. The reservoir itself, made of cast iron, stood until the early 2000s before being cut up for scrap metal.
Overall, Ince Tower is in need of serious reconstruction and preservation. Currently, it is more suited for psychedelic photo shoots and enthusiasts of "urban exploration." Nearby, there is a beautiful lake, and if you have the time and energy, you can also visit the Gatchina geysers.
