Ehem. Mühle

Hidden within the bustling city of Vienna, the Ehem. Mühle whispers tales of a time long past. This unassuming structure, tucked away in a courtyard off Schönbrunner Straße, holds the distinction of being one of Vienna’s oldest secular buildings, second only to the Berghof in Heiligenstadt. Originally known as the Steinmühle, the Ehem. Mühle’s story begins in the 13th century with the creation of the Mühlbach, a mill stream diverting water from the Wien River. This stream powered three watermills: the Heiligengeistmühle (later Bärenmühle), the Schleifmühle, and our very own Steinmühle, the future Ehem. Mühle. First documented in 1326, the Steinmühle served the Bürgerspital. The Ehem. Mühle, as we know it today, was built in the 14th century. Disaster struck in 1528 when a fire ravaged the mill, but it was rebuilt. In 1533, under the reign of King Ferdinand I, the mill was transferred to the Diocese of Vienna. The 16th century saw significant renovations, including the addition of a kitchen, bakery, and chamber. The mill continued to evolve through the centuries, with its last major remodel in 1818. The Ehem. Mühle served its purpose diligently until 1856. That year marked the end of an era, as the city of Vienna purchased the mill and water rights for 30,000 Gulden. The Mühlbach, deemed a health hazard, was filled in. While the other two mills met their demise, the Ehem. Mühle was spared. Vienna’s relentless growth in the 19th century engulfed the mill, leaving it nestled within the courtyard of a residential building at Schönbrunner Straße 2. Despite its hidden location, the Ehem. Mühle’s charm endures. Today, after extensive renovations in the early 21st century, the Ehem. Mühle stands as a testament to Vienna’s rich history, a captivating whisper from the past amidst the modern cityscape.