Torre de l'Aigua

Torre de l'Aigua is a modernist water tower in Sabadell and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It rises on the eastern edge of Sabadell, right next to the Ripoll river and the road toward Caldes de Montbui, so it's hard to miss even on a first visit.

Where does this tower come from?

Construction began in 1916 and wrapped up in 1918, based on a design by engineer Francesc Izard together with architect Lluís Homs. The goal was strictly practical: store and distribute water for a fast-growing industrial Sabadell. The tower went into service as an active reservoir in 1922 and kept working until 1967, pulling water from wells along the Ripoll river and sending it across the city by gravity. What turned a working reservoir into a landmark was the way its industrial job was paired with an ambitious modernist design — today it's registered as a local cultural heritage site and counted among the 100 recognized elements of Catalonia's industrial heritage.

What will you actually see?

The tower stands roughly 50 metres tall, built as an octagonal, pyramid-like structure — eight massive pillars topped with capitals and a cornice, linked by a spiral staircase running up to the top. It was one of the first structures in Sabadell built in reinforced concrete, a bold technical choice at a time when brick and stone still dominated local construction. The result mixes raw engineering geometry with the ornamental touches typical of Catalan modernisme, so the tower reads as part factory, part sculpture.

How to get there and when to go?

Torre de l'Aigua sits on the eastern side of Sabadell, an easy walk or short ride from the city centre — Sabadell itself is well connected by train to Barcelona, so it fits neatly into a day trip. The inside isn't open on a regular basis; the best chance to visit with a guide is during Festa Major, the city's patron saint festival held on the first weekend of September. On any other day, the tower is still worth seeing from the outside, especially around sunset, when the light brings out the geometry of the pillars.

Who is this stop for?

It's a natural stop for anyone interested in industrial architecture or Catalan modernisme, and a good way to see a side of Sabadell beyond its shopping streets or the Banc Sabadell stadium. The tower pairs well with the rest of the city's industrial heritage trail, including the former textile mills nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the tower? The interior is generally open to visitors only during Festa Major, on the first weekend of September; access outside that window is limited.

How tall is Torre de l'Aigua? The tower is about 50 metres high and visible from many points across eastern Sabadell.

Who designed the tower? Engineer Francesc Izard drew up the structure, with architect Lluís Homs handling the design; construction finished in 1918.

Why does this tower matter to Sabadell? It supplied the city with water for decades and is now considered one of Sabadell's symbols, listed among Catalonia's 100 industrial heritage elements.