Větrný mlýn ve Tvarožné Windmill

Welcome to this special place, which is a living witness to human work and the power of nature. You're standing in front of a windmill in Sharožny, and you're probably the first to be approached by the view of his silhouette, as it stands against the sky. Feel this space, feel this air flowing here. You are in a place where you touch the boundaries of the natural monument of Santon, in an area where nature and history form one inseparable whole. Look around you and let yourself drift through the atmosphere of this place, which has been standing here for over a hundred and forty years watching the changing world.

Now let's go back deep into the past together to understand how this mill came into being. More than 14 decades ago, exactly in the year of the 1880s, this building began to be built here. It was not the work of an unknown builder, but the work of a man who knew and loved this country. Built by a local carpenter master, a man named František Formánek. Imagine his efforts, his hands, which had to carefully carve and connect wood to form such a durable and functional structure. This mill was built according to the German model, which manifests its specific technical solution and overall appearance. Since its inception this mill has been an important point for the local community and its importance has been so great that since the year one thousand nine hundred ninety-two it has now been protected as a real-estate cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

Now pay attention to what you see right in front of you. Notice the four large blades that are so typical of this type of mill. These are the parts that in the past were constantly spinning under the wind and turning its invisible power into useful work. But if you look up, you'll see something really unusual. Look at the roof platform and the mast that stands out. There was a very special and advanced technical component, a wind turbine. This construction was at that time absolutely exceptional and technically very demanding. The turbine had a huge dimension, its diameter was at least 14 meters. Imagine the monumental nature of this huge device spinning high above the ground to capture every breath of wind.

This mill was never a static thing, it was constantly evolving and adapting to new times. In the year of a thousand and nine hundred there was a significant modernization when this new wind component was added to the construction to increase its efficiency. And then there was another major breakthrough. After World War I, around a thousand nine hundred and eighteen, the mill became even more modern. It has installed an electrical power plant. Imagine the revolution where the force of the wind turned not only into the motion of machines, but also into light and electricity, which changed the lives of people around it.

But every such building also carries human destinies, which are often much stronger than the wood and stones themselves. In addition to Formanek's founder, we must mention the name Bahnerová here. Her story is linked to a very difficult and ambiguous time. During World War II, something unusual happened when the world collapsed into chaos and fear. The widow Bahnerová was here in secret, in secret. It must have been a job full of tension and constant threat, working in silence and secrecy to ensure essential needs while there was great unrest around. This mill wasn't just a building for her, it was a survival tool at a time when everything else was uncertain.

The interesting thing that may surprise you is the extraordinary technical design you saw looking up. This mill is not just a simple mill, it is a unique technical machine, which, thanks to its turbine on the mast, was a technological peak throughout the region. That vast area of wind equipment, which revolved high above the roof, must have been a sight for the people at the time, which was both astonishing and respectful of human ingenuity.

Now I won't hold you any longer. I'm going to ask you to stop for a while, perceive the atmosphere of this place, and let your imagination carry you. See the surrounding landscape, see the calm that exists here, and realize how much this mill fits into it. It's part of the landscape that stands here and lasts. Thank you for spending this moment with us in discovering the history of this place. I wish you a nice continuation of the tour and enjoy every moment in this wonderful nature.