Nosticova 6 House

Welcome to the Lesser Side, in one of the most atmospheric corners of Prague, where history intersects with the noise of water in every stone. You're standing in front of a building in Nostico Street, number six, a place that carries layers of many centuries. You see before you the object we now know as the Broken Mill. Stop for a moment, feel the surrounding silence and imagine what this place looked like centuries ago, when there were not only the footsteps of tourists, but there was a rhythm of hard work, the rumbling of the water wheel and the noise of the water flowing from the left side of the Devil. It was this river that was the life nerve of the entire complex and determined its fate from the very beginning.

Let us now return together in time very far, until a year ago a thousand four hundred. The first written references lead us to the time when this mill was charged to the Johanite commendation. Imagine the knighthood of the Johanites, who influenced the local economy by their administration and influence. At that time the mill was an essential part of every community, a centre where the grain turned into flour and where people from all around met. It was a time of beginnings when the construction was much easier, but its strategic position at the water made it very valuable.

But the history of this place is full of dramatic twists. If we look at the period of Hussite wars, we will find that the mill has not passed this stormy time without a scar. In period springs, this object is marked as burned and destroyed. Imagine the chaos, the flames rising to the sky and the silence that followed the demise of a prosperous operation. However, the building was able to be reborn from the ashes, indicating its importance for Prague's Little Party.

The breaking point in the history of the monument occurred in the year one thousand five hundred thirty-two. This year the mill was purchased by the mill Pavel Zlomek. It is thanks to him that the object has acquired its name today, the Broken Mill. Pavel Zlomek wasn't just the owner, it was the person who put new energy into the place. At that time the mill was once again a key point in the local industry. It is fascinating to think how the names of particular people, such as Pavel Zlomek, can enter the city map for hundreds of years and become part of its identity.

Now pay attention to the building itself. Look at its facade and see its overall appearance. Although the object has changed many times over time, its architecture reflects changes in the functions it has served. In connection with the building appears the name of architect K. Pollaka, who helped shape it. Notice how the building fits into the narrow alleys of the Little Side and how closely it is connected to the water flow. Do not just look here for rough walls, but try to read the transition from purely industrial traffic to a more representative seat.

This object has undergone an incredible transformation. The original water mill gradually became an aristocratic mansion and then turned into something completely different. In the year one thousand seven hundred sixty-six, a large reconstruction was completed, which made the building the Earl of Nostice's laundry. Imagine the contrast. Instead of flour dust, water vapours and the smell of soap started floating here. Count Nostitz built a modern facility of his time, which was equipped with ten almonds, which were at the time machines for ironing and extermination of fabrics.

If we try to figure out how this laundry room worked, we have to look at the details of 1,000 seven hundred and eighty-two. At that time, the laundry was equipped with ten copper boilers and one large iron boiler. A total of three and forty washing paddles were available. Try to imagine the noise, the hot couple filling the room, and the dozens of hands that gave out fine fabrics and linen plates for noble families every day. It was a real purity factory that used the power of the Devil's water to operate its machines.

This place is associated with the names of prominent personalities who at different times influenced Prague and its surroundings. In addition to the already mentioned Pavel Fránek and Ervinus Nostitz, figures like Vilém z Rožmberka or Jan Jiří Wendlinger appear here in history. Each of them has brought to the history of this house a different story, a different ambition and a different view of what this strategic position by the river could serve.

The interesting thing that might interest you is the constant variability. Few buildings in Prague have experienced the same range of changes in functions as the Broken Mill. From the religious administration of the johanites, to the craftsmanship of the miller, to the luxury of the noble manor, to the hard industrial work in the laundry room. It's basically a mirror of the social development of the entire city. From medieval craft to baroque ambitions to modern government.

The last major change in property occurred in the year one thousand nine hundred twenty-four, when the building was transferred to state property under the Ministry of Education. By doing so, the chapter of private ownership of noble families has definitively closed and the building has started to serve other purposes while maintaining its historical character. Today the building is protected as a real cultural monument, which means that its walls are guardians of the memory of Prague industry and craft.

Now, if you look at the building again, you don't just see the house on Nosticova Street, but you see a place where water, fire, work and power are mixed. You see a place that survived wars, fires and regime changes. The Broken Mill is a silent witness to how Malá Strana evolved from the suburbs with mills and craftsmen into one of the most prestigious centres of the European city.

Thank you for accompanying me on this short journey through time. I hope you could imagine the noise of a water wheel and a couple of copper boilers. Now I invite you to explore the area further. Walk along Certovka, see its current and look for other traces of ancient Prague that are hiding in these narrow streets. I wish you a pleasant continued journey and many new discoveries in the heart of our city. Goodbye.