Vodní mlýn Bukačov Water mill

Welcome to Kouřimi, where history meets the calm of flowing water. Right now, you're standing in front of the Water Mill of Bukachev, which is now a protected cultural monument. Stop for a moment, take a breath and feel the atmosphere of this place. In front of you is an area that has served for centuries as the heart of local craft and livelihood. Look at the buildings that surround you. The dominant is the mill building, which captures you with its specific Mansard roof, a roof with a characteristic fracture, which gives the whole building an elegant and robust look. Next to it, you will see a hoarder, where grain was once safely stored, a residential house where generations of miller people lived, and various economic buildings that together form this harmonious whole. All of this is connected to the River Expedition, whose current has been the main source of energy for the entire enterprise for centuries.

Let us now return together in time so that this space begins to speak with its own voice. Imagine we're in the early 15th century. The first written mention of this mill dates back to 1404. At that time it was written in the so-called White Book of Rights and Freedoms, which was a very important document of its time. Interestingly, the mill was not called Bukachev at the time, but it was simply referred to as the Middle. This name probably referred to its location against other mills nearby. Imagine what the mill was doing at the time. It was not just a place for grinding grains, but a place for meeting people from surrounding villages, instead of shops and news. It was one of the most lively parts of the landscape.

When we move forward in time, until 1516, we meet with a particular person who did his work here. Historical records mention the miller Vojtek. Although we don't know much about him, his name reminds us that behind every stone and every piece of wood in this area was human work, sweat and responsibility. The milling industry was a demanding craft at the time, which required knowledge of water, weather and technology.

Now I would like to ask you to pay attention to the surrounding countryside and imagine what this place looked like more than four years ago. In 1600, the artist Jan Willenberg captured the so-called Vedute of the City of Kouřimi, which is basically a detailed panoramic painting. It is in this painting that the mill was captured, which allows us today to imagine with great precision what form it was in during the Renaissance. It is fascinating to think that the view you see today was captured in a similar composition centuries ago, and that we are connecting with people from the past with this close bond.

Now let's move on to something that may not be visible at first glance, but it is one of the greatest secrets and treasures of this place. Look carefully at the wall of the buildings. If you're lucky enough to look carefully, you'll notice that some of the stones in the murs look different than others. And that's true. In the wall of the mill are secondary used stoneware articles from the demolished Romanesque church of St. Vojtěv. These unique elements include, for example, the pillar head. In ancient times, it was not common to throw away a quality worked stone if a building was demolished. Instead, these rare fragments of sacral architecture became part of the practical building of the mill. It is an incredible contrast when you realize that the stone that once carried the vault of the church and witnessed the prayers now holds the wall of the building where the grain was grinding and the noisy work ruled. This hidden layer of history makes the mill Bukachev a real archive in stone.

In addition to the stony details, we are accompanied by the name Augustine Bejjejkova, another person associated with this place, who helped shape the fate of this complex. Every one of these people has added their trail to the image we see today.

Now let's think about how the technique that drove the grinding was changing. Originally, the mill was powered by classic water wheels, which in the rhythm of the flowing river Roads turned the mill stones. It was a slow but reliable process. However, with the advent of modern age Bukachev had to change. The year 1918 has brought major news. Two Francis turbines were put into operation by the producer J. M. Voith. The turbine was much more efficient than the old water bike and allowed to increase the power of the mill. However, technical progress has not been made. A few years later, in 1923, another news was installed, namely the Hindl high-pressure diesel engine from the Royal Polish Engineering. This engine was used as a backup or assistance to enable the mill to function even in times when the River Výrovka did not have enough water to drive turbines. This transition from the natural power of water to the mechanical power of the engine symbolizes the whole era of industrial revolution, which changed the face of the whole world and this little corner in Kouřimi.

But this era of active grinding had to come to an end. In 1962, mill stones and turbines finally died down. The milling of grain has ceased to be economically meaningful within the new system. However, instead of the mill being destroyed or demolished, its state preservation took place. It is thanks to this decision that we can stand before these buildings today and admire their architecture and history. Preserving kept the object in such a state that he could tell us his story today.

If you look around now, try to imagine the noise that used to be here. The whirl of water, the rhythmic beating of machines, the smell of freshly ground grain and the voices of miners and their customers. It's quiet here today, but if you listen, you may hear the echoes of all these years in the roar of the River Exantics.

This mill is not just a set of buildings, it is a monument to human ingenuity, patience and the ability to adapt to the times. From the White Book of Rights and Freedoms to the Renaissance Views to the modern twentieth century turbines. It's all connected in this one area.

Now I'm leaving you to explore this place at your own pace. Take a walk around the buildings, look in the moths for those mentioned stones from the old church and let the atmosphere of this historic place engulf you. Feel the contrast between the rugged hoarder and the elegant mansard roof of the mill. Don't forget to look at the stream of the river that was and is still a vital element of this whole.

Thank you for spending time with us at the Water Mill Bukachev. We hope you have felt the depth of history that lies in these walls. We wish you a pleasant further journey along Kouřimi and many other fascinating discoveries. Goodbye.