At the end of the 1800s, the city of Bucharest had an approximate population of 150,000 inhabitants, already establishing itself as an important center of trade, industry, and a significant hub for culture and education. King Carol I of Romania encouraged the country’s economic and social development.
However, most of the buildings in the city were constructed of wood, and fires were frequent and challenging to manage due to the winding streets and limited water sources. In this context, the decision to build the Fire Tower primarily for fire prevention was relatively straightforward. It was even more so because the Colței Tower, which had served this role until recently, had been demolished due to damage sustained from earthquakes dating back to 1802.
The Fire Tower was constructed in 1890 as a point of observation and alarm for firefighters. Initially, it was designed to also serve as a water tower. However, after its completion, the local water company – Grozăvești Water Plant – did not have the capacity to fill it with water, so this function was abandoned.
In a city with predominantly traditional architecture, where buildings with modern European influences were only just beginning to appear, the Fire Tower became a symbol of this modernization.
The 42-meter tower was constructed, according to the plans of Chief Architect George Mandrea, in the neo-Romanian style – an architectural trend in Romania at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. This trend focused on the use of architectural elements specific to the region, such as ceramics and traditional ornaments, in a modernized style adapted to contemporary needs.
The neo-Romanian style was one of the primary architectural styles used in the construction of public buildings, as well as some private ones during that period, making it a suitable choice for building a fire observation and alarm tower. The Fire Tower is an expression of this style, with traditional architectural elements such as the conical roof, arched windows, and decorative ornaments, combined with modern elements like the use of bricks and metal.
The Fire Tower served as a lookout and alarm tower for firefighters until 1935 when it lost its role due to the increasing construction of tall buildings in Bucharest and the introduction of telephony, rendering the watchtower obsolete. Thus, starting in 1963, it was transformed into a Firefighters’ Museum.
Legends related to the Fire Tower.
The Legend of the Living Fire: It is said that when the Fire Tower was built, the architect George Mandrea used a special technique to give the tower’s walls a fiery red hue. This led to the emergence of a legend that the fire still burns inside the tower and can only be extinguished by a brave hero.
The Legend of Love: There is a story that tells of a hot summer when a young firefighter fell in love with the daughter of a wealthy merchant. The young man was rejected by the girl’s father, who ordered him to be thrown from the tower. It is said that the young man’s soul still lingers in the tower, and his lament can be heard on hot summer nights.
