In the heart of the Dnieper River in Kyiv stands a mysterious tower: discover its purpose and learn how to find it (photos included).
In Kyiv, in the middle of the Dnipro River, near the Southern Bridge and Osokorky, there is an unusual structure—a round concrete tower that rises several meters above the water. Its true purpose is known only to a few, which is why the tower is often referred to as a WWII fire point, an entrance to Stalin's tunnels, or an ancient fort. However, all these theories are incorrect. In reality, the structure in the middle of the Dnipro is a deviation tower.
"Telegraf" decided to inform readers about the actual purpose of this object, the history of its construction, and its current location.
History of the Deviation Tower Construction in Kyiv
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The deviation tower is a facility where vessels calibrate their compasses. This tower was erected on the Dnipro in 1983. Initially, it was built where the Southern Bridge now stands. However, when construction of the bridge began, it was relocated further down the river, a bit to the south.
The relocation of this structure cost 2 million Soviet rubles, which was a significant amount at the time. Therefore, this facility holds considerable importance.
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The tower has a cylindrical shape. Metal cables and ladders are attached to its walls, and a technical metal structure sits atop it. The rest of the tower is made of solid concrete, which is crucial for its precise operation.
What is the Purpose of the Deviation Tower?
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The deviation tower, or pal, is where sailors calibrate ship compasses. Every vessel is required to rectify the inaccuracies of its magnetic compass annually, and since Kyiv is located at the junction of two reservoirs, any navigation error could lead to tragic consequences.
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Even those ships equipped with the latest technology must undergo this procedure. Electronics can fail, but a classic compass will never let you down. However, compasses tend to drift over time for various reasons. Therefore, they need to be periodically adjusted to correct the error known as magnetic deviation. This is precisely what the Deviation Tower is designed for.
There is a regulation stipulating that every ship must undergo compass adjustment at the deviation tower once a year and receive a corresponding certificate that permits the operation of the vessel.
How Compass Adjustment Occurs Near the Deviation Tower
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The adjustment of the ship's compass occurs as follows: using special equipment, the deviator compares the compass readings with the tower's coordinates and adjusts it to the correct values if discrepancies are found.
After this, the deviator issues a certificate to the ship and applies a "wet stamp"—without this document, the vessel is not permitted to set sail. Currently, there is only one specialist deviator left in Kyiv, and it's doubtful that there are even a dozen across all of Ukraine.
Where is the Deviation Tower Located in Kyiv?
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The object is situated in the middle of the Dnipro, between Osokorky and Zhukov Island. The tower can be seen from the shore: 90 Naberezhno-Korchevatska Street (right bank) and 86 Sadova Street (left bank).
You can also approach the tower by boat and examine it up close.
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It is worth noting that few people know that in 1857, a wooden Triumphal Arch was built on the site of the modern Air Fleet Overpass in Kyiv. This atypical structure for the capital was erected in honor of the visit of Emperor Alexander II and Maria Alexandrovna. The capital's arch is associated with a very interesting and convoluted history that is known to only a few.
Previously, "Telegraf" reported on the atmospheric abandoned hotel from the previous century located in Kyiv and how this "ghost" hotel looks. Unfortunately, the building has long been vacant and does not welcome guests, yet this place continues to captivate the imagination of contemporaries and attract the attention of enthusiasts of colorful structures from the past.