Vodní mlýn (Loučky) Water mill

Welcome to the water mill in Loučky. Right now, you are standing on the right bank of the Odry River and you have a place in front of you that is a living witness to many centuries of human effort, work and change of nature. Before you go any further, stop for a moment and feel the atmosphere of this place. Do you hear the constant movement of water? That sound is the heart of this entire compound. In front of you is a historic building that acts as a fixed point in a rapidly changing world. This object, which people in the area know under the names of the Wesselski or Pazera Mill, is not just an ordinary building, but the real treasure of our region.

Let's go back deep into the past together to understand how this mill came into being. If we want to find full beginnings, we have to move back more than four centuries. The first paper trail that tells us about this place dates back to 1571. In that year Jan Tomáš of Zvole issued a special right, a privilege that allowed this place to begin its long journey. The first man to become the real owner was Paul Schwarz. Since then, the mill has become an integral part of living in this landscape. Every decade, every year, new owners and new challenges have brought, but the mill has continued to exist here, using the power of water and still serving the people.

Now pay close attention to the construction itself and to what you see around you. This object is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture. Although time changes relentlessly, its basic character remains preserved. Notice how the building is located right next to the water. It wasn't an idea, it was a necessity. In order for the mill to work, it had to have a constant supply of power. And this is where human ingenuity meets natural strength. Look at the drive that brings the water to the mill. It's a fascinating technical element. This water channel does not start right here, but its journey begins much further, in the village of Jakubchovice. This water travels almost three kilometers to eventually reach here and spin the wheels of this mill. It's an incredible story of water that travels a long way just to help people process their crops.

When you look at the structure of the mill, you might be wondering what it was all for. In the past, this complex was much more complex than it might seem. It wasn't just one machine, it was the whole system. At some point this space was equipped with three water wheels. This bike wasn't just for decoration. It was the motor power of the time. She helped milk the grain for the whole area, served for scrapping and was also connected to a saw that processed wood. The mill was therefore the center of everything important for the survival and development of the local community. During the twentieth century the mill even adapted to modern times and began to produce electricity that served directly for the needs of the village. So you see how this object was constantly evolving along with human technology.

The history of this place is also a history of large families and important personalities. You can imagine all the people who worked here all their lives. Names like Georg Willischner, Martin Weigl or Count Franz Leopold Lichnovský appear in history. But one of the most important families associated with this place was the Wesselsky family. In 1762 Johann Wesselsky bought this mill for his son Valten, laying the foundations for a long period of their operation. Followed by other family members such as Lorenz Wesselsky or Ferdinand Franz Wesselsky, who took care of the mill and kept it going. Then, in 1946, there was a big change when the mill took over the Hubert Pazdera, after which it bears one of his famous names. These families didn't just build property here, they created a tradition that still exists today.

I want to tell you now one thing that may surprise you, which shows how much this mill is still alive. Even if it's a historical monument, there's always something going on in it. There was a great improvement in 2008. A new water bike was installed here. Imagine its size and weight - it weighs six tons! It is a modern element that has come together with the historical one, which again gives this place its full feel. It's proof that old things can have new power if you take care of them.

And it is the care of this object that is important. In 1999 this mill was officially declared a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. This means that his history, his face and his souls are now protected by law for future generations. It's not just an old house by the water, it's our common heritage.

Now that you know the stories that are hiding behind these walls, and you know how long the water has traveled to be here, I suggest you continue your search. Take a look at the surrounding countryside, feel the calm of the Odra River, and try to imagine how it was here hundreds of years ago when there was a sound of pounding of drinking and grinding of grains. Thank you for spending this moment with us and for being interested in the history of this special place. We wish you a nice walk and many other interesting experiences in our beautiful landscape. Goodbye.