Have you ever imagined a mill standing silently yet telling tales of centuries? This is Švehlův mlýn. Right before you stands a testament to Prague’s rich history a water mill nestled in Hostivař.
Švehlův mlýn isn’t just any old mill. It’s a living piece of Prague’s heritage. Built between 1623 and 1638 by Anna Salomena of Bubna it’s a beautiful example of Baroque and later Classical architecture. Imagine the skilled hands that shaped its stones the sounds of the water wheel turning.
The mill had a dramatic start. In 1678 a fire destroyed it. Yet it rose again shortly after. About a century later it was separated from the nearby farmyard. The early 19th century saw a major renovation giving it the appearance we see today. Antonín Švehla father of the future Prime Minister Antonín Švehla purchased the mill and the farmyard in 1880. This added a layer to its already rich story.
Sketches from 1841 depict Švehlův mlýn as a two-winged building. The L-shaped structure cleverly hugs the bend of the Botič stream. The east wing housed the mill itself. The west wing offered comfortable living quarters with a gate in the middle.
Inside the mill’s ground floor the original steel millwork remains a fascinating glimpse into its past. A cellar lies beneath its northern section. The mill was quite productive. In 1930 it boasted a single water wheel a water flow of 0.157 cubic meters per second a drop of 3.95 meters and an impressive power output of 5.4 HP. Václav Zavadil rented and eventually owned the mill. His son Josef took over in 1943.
Švehlův mlýn stands as a reminder of simpler times. It speaks of skilled craftsmanship and the enduring power of human ingenuity. It’s more than just stones and water; it’s a story waiting to be discovered. Take a moment to soak in its history its charm its quiet dignity. You are standing before a piece of Prague’s heart.