Bismarck Tower, Janówek

About

The Bismarck Tower in Janówek, Poland, is a historical observation tower and cultural heritage site on top of the Jańska Góra hill, 253 m above sea level. It was erected in 1869 as the world's first Bismarck tower. The tower itself is 23 m in height.

History: The idea of erecting a monument to Otto von Bismarck had been mooted as far back as 1863 by retired Prussian officer Friedrich Schröter (1820–1888), a wealthy landowner in nearby Wättrisch (Sokolniki) and an admirer of the Iron Chancellor (Eiserner Kanzler). Following the Prussian victories in the Second Schleswig War (1864) and the Seven Weeks War (1866), Schröter then set about realising his plans. A site was picked for construction of the tower: the south face of Johnsberg Hill near the neighbouring village of Ober-Johnsdorf, part of which was owned by Schröter (1,100 acres). Construction began on 15 April 1869, carried out by master mason Bernhardt from Nimptsch (Niemcza) under the supervision of a foreman named Rademacher. Serpentine from a local quarry was used as construction material, as well as granite, sandstone and brickwork. The total cost of construction was 18,000 marks. The tower was inaugurated on 18 October...