Never Again

The Flak Towers of Vienna

In 1942 Hitler decided the construction of air defence towers to counter the increasing air strikes and bombings by the Allies. Locations needed to be close to train stations to ensure supplies and at the same time they needed to be spacious. Such central locations required air defence towers high enough to allow a clear view and field of fire. They were built in pairs consisting of a command tower (Leitturm) and a combat tower (Gefechtsturm). In Vienna three pairs of towers were built by forced labour between late 1942 and 1945 and another one often misinterpreted to be one of those which is different in detail and classified as bunker.

A pair of towers in „Arenbergpark“, 3rd District,

A command tower in „Esterházypark“, 6th District, together with a combat tower in „Stiftskaserne“, 7th District

A pair of towers in „Augarten“, 2nd District

A bunker (uncompleted) in „Gerichtsgasse“, 21st District

Use during War:

These towers are known as Flaktürme: „Flak“ is an acronym for „FliegerAbwehrKanone“ meaning anti-aircraft gun and „Turm“ means tower. Their main intention was air defence. Anti-aircraft guns were set up before the interior construction was finished. The concrete blockhouse buildings were planned as self-sufficient structures housing power generators, ammunition and water tanks. They also served as air-raid shelters and hospital for the civilian population. The command towers were equipped with range finders to locate incoming aircraft at an early stage.

(Re)Use after War:

The massive concrete constructions which are among the biggest blockhouse buildings in the world, cannot be demolished due to their location in densely urban areas. Today five out of six are landmarked, all of them are historical memorials. Over the last decades there has been a lot of discussion and controversy concerning reuse and conversion. Some of them do have new functions: Aqua Terra Zoo, MAK Contemporary Art Depot and Government Bunker.

The Towers in Arenberg Park: