Flak towers in Arenberg Park Massive croncrete towers in the heart of Wien
Flak towers in Arenberg Park
Arenbergpark, Wien, Austria
CONSTRUCTION YEAR: 1942
SPACE TYPE: Tower, Fortification
PRESERVATION STATUS: Under-used
Commissioned by Adolf Hitler, Flakturms are extremely large and colossal anti- aircraft gun blockhouse towers used by the German Luftwaffe for the defence against Allied air raids during World War II. They also served as air- raid shelters for tens of thousands of people and to coordinate air defence.
A four twin setup of 128 mm guns and another eight quad setup of 20 mm guns was amongst its standard configuration. Each tower was supported by a radar installation that had a retractable radar dish (in order to prevent damage during an air raid). With reinforced concrete walls up to 4 metres thick, flak towers were considered to be invulnerable to Allied bombings.
These giant towers were built in Berlin, Hamburg & Vienna. After WWII, the demolition of the towers was in most cases unfeasible and many remain to this day.
The one pictured here (G- tower) is used as storehouse by the Museum of Applied Arts- MAK, while the other one in the park (L- tower) remains empty.
More info on www.airpower.at (GERMAN)
Text by Reginal Van de Velde
Read also the submission about the other two towers in Augarten!
