Petržílkovský mlýn Administrative building

Welcome to the historical part of Smíchova. You are standing on the bank of Vltava, in a place where the history of Prague is intertwined with the relentless power of flowing water. Feel this atmosphere, feel the closeness of the river that has been flowing here for centuries, which has been the main engine of everything that has happened these days. Imagine that the place you're standing on right now was once the heart of a major industrial operation. This is where Petržílkovský mlýn was located, a place that was the centrepiece of many events, changes of ownership and historical twists throughout its existence.

Let us now return to the past together to understand how everything began. The history of this place dates back to the 14th century. At that time, the mill was not just an ordinary building, but a key element for the survival and development of the environment. The first water mills that were founded here were called Cartousian, which refers directly to their original owners. In these places there was a Carthusian monastery from Smíchova, which used this territory to its own. Imagine the fourteenth century, the quiet morning clock, when the monks of the monastery watched the work of the mill, which served to grind the grain and other important purposes. This mill was not just a building, it was a symbol of the stability and economic strength of monastic reign over this part of the river.

Now pay attention to what you might see if we could just go back in time. Even though today you see a rather peaceful environment, try to imagine in your mind the massive structure that had to be used to use the energy of the Vltava. As a water mill, the building had to be firmly anchored to shore and island to withstand any sudden rise in the surface. Feel the idea of heavy wooden wheels that were spinning in the rhythm of the water, and the noise of grinding the grain that carried all over the shore. This architecture was not meant for beauty, but for functionality and strength. It was an architecture of survival and work that had to be in harmony with nature, but at the same time managed to control it for the needs of the people.

But the history of this place wasn't just about peace and work. It's a story full of dramatic twists and powerful personalities. If you look around you, you can remember the names that were associated with this place. One of them is Jan Petržilka, whose name became synonymous with this mill and entered it into the memory of local and later generations. Another important figure whose shadow falls here is Albrecht z Valdštejna. These figures show how over time the mill became part of the wider political and power games that dominated the country.

And it was these games and conflicts that brought great tragedy to this place. Now if you think about how fragile human history can be, remember 1419. That was the year everything changed. At the time of religious wars and turbulent changes came the Hussites who, in their struggle, did not hesitate to intervene against the monasteries' property. At that time, these mills and the monastery itself were plundered and burned. Imagine the fiery view of the coast of the Vltava, the smoke rising to the sky and the destruction that left the war in a place that was once a symbol of peace and order. This moment was one of the darkest points in the history of this place, but it also shows how deeply the history of the mill was linked to the fate of the whole country.

But now I want to invite you to something less serious but equally fascinating. Notice how this place has changed over the centuries, not only in form, but also in name. This mill was not just one place, it had as many names as it changed its fate. You can hear it as the Carpels Mill, the Cartouse Mill, or perhaps the Templa Mill. Why was that? Every new name brought with it a trail of new owner, new era or new needs of the time. This variability of names is like a reflection of the constant movement of water in the river - nothing is constant, everything flows and changes. This variety of names is one of the biggest mysteries and attractions that makes you wonder how many people have actually gone through these last few centuries and how many stories have been lost in these waters.

In front of you is a space that is different today than it was centuries ago, but its essence remains the same. It's a place where a man meets, a job and an untamed river. Even if you no longer hear the noise of grinding stones or see the monk's procession, the atmosphere of this place still bears the print of everything that has happened here.

Now I'm not gonna hold you back any longer. Continue to walk along the shore, feel the current of the Vltava and look at the surroundings of Smíchova knowing that under every stone and under every wave there is history that goes back to the deep 14th century. Every step can lead you to the next secret of this city. Thank you for joining us on this short journey through time. We'll brighten up another pleasant part of your tour.