The 200-year-old Chimney of a Sugar Refinery has Become a Lookout Tower

Tall buildings involuntarily attract attention, especially if they stand out against the background of the surrounding area. Seeing a high tower surrounded by a forest, I decided to study it thoroughly. It turned out that the second no less interesting building is located nearby - the Winter Garden. Many plants grow in it at any time of the year. The tower and the Winter Garden are separated by a short distance, but they share a common history. It turned out that this is part of the former sugar that burned down in a major fire. The only surviving building was transferred to a winter garden, and the chimney was converted into a lookout tower.

Up close, the tower looks majestic. Still, because the height is 40 meters, and this is approximately 13 floors of a residential building. Although visually it seems that the height is much greater. To see the upper elements of the tower, you need to lift your head high up.

I was lucky because the weather conditions allowed me to climb inside the observation tower. It's always interesting to see what's inside. For a nominal fee, all tourists are allowed inside. Restrictions apply to the elderly and children under 12 years of age. Before entering, they conduct a short briefing and warn of the danger of gusts of wind and falls. Inside there is a spiral staircase leading to a distance of 40 meters above the shore and about 80 meters above the level of the nearby river. To climb up you have to overcome 204 steps. Good workout. Positioned windows provide natural light all the way upstairs.

The way up was not so easy, but it was worth it. The exit from the stairs is surrounded by high panoramic windows. From the top there is an exquisite view of the nearby river and the surrounding nature and buildings. The observation deck is surrounded by high handrails that reliably protect against accidents. However, the view from above is intimidating if you are afraid of heights.

The way down is no less tiring and dangerous as the ascent. The fact is that you constantly come to be attentive and hold on tightly to the handrail. But it's interesting.

Having returned from the observation tower, I decided to get acquainted with the building of the Winter Garden. An interesting pink and various elements of the facade attract attention. It is hard to believe that at the beginning of the 19th century this building was one of the parts of the sugar factory. Apparently at that time appearance played a big role.

Behind the huge windows I saw a lot of greenery. This fueled my interest to get inside the winter garden. But that day the entrance for tourists was closed. Nevertheless, at the entrance, I managed to capture what is inside. If you believe the words of a female guide, about 20 species of subtropical plants grow there. A real tropical paradise in the middle of the forest.

I will not stop repeating the simple truth that sometimes we do not find the amazing, but it finds us. Seeing the high tower, I took a step forward. My curiosity always pushes me to explore the unknown. The tower along with the building of the winter garden create an interesting combination of architecture, history and the natural world. Given that these buildings are hidden from human eyes in the city forest, this makes this place unique. In my opinion.

Do you like lookout towers?
All photos taken by me during my work trip. Thank you for your attention!