Imagine living in a place with a history stretching back to the 12th century. This is Trojanův mlýn. It is a water mill in Prague 6, in the Suchdol area. The mill sits in the peaceful Tiché údolí valley near the Únětický potok stream.
Trojanův mlýn has been declared a cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 2003. This excludes its boundary walls and gates. The authorities decided not to revoke its protected status in 2008.
This mill occupies a spot on an old path. The path once linked Levý Hradec and Prague Castle. Milling likely occurred here in the mid-12th century. Back then, it was simply known as the “přední” or front mill.
Around 1125 to 1140, a canon named Zbyhněv established two mills here. He made an agreement with the owner of the Suchdol estate. One of the mills had a single water wheel. This mill is where Trojanův mlýn stands today. The abbey of the St. George monastery in Prague owned Suchdol and the mill in the early 13th century. Sometime between 1360 and 1378, the wooden mill was rebuilt in stone along with the Suchdol farmstead and village.
Ownership of the farm and mill changed hands over time. The Emauzy Benedictine monastery expanded it to include two water wheels in the late 17th century. The buildings fell into disrepair during the Thirty Years’ War. It was not until 1713 that it reappeared in records as the mill of Jiří Vodička. The mill featured two water wheels and a large pond for fish. These fish were raised for the monastery.
The miller had to grind 52 sacks of grain, about 94 kg each, for the estate. He also prepared barley malt for the brewery. In return, he received grain waste and half a barrel of beer from each brewing. Each year, he paid 52 gold coins for the mill’s lease. He also paid 12 gold coins for renting about 12 korce of fields and meadows. He paid 50 gold coins in state taxes.
The Trojan family purchased the mill in 1730. They owned it until 1857 giving Trojanův mlýn its current name. Václav Trojan bought a chapel dedicated to Saint Wenceslaus in 1806. It had an adjacent cemetery. He repaired and reconsecrated it. From 1821, he also owned an inn by the road. The family eventually sold the property due to financial problems. The new owner renovated the mill in 1858. Josef Müller established a bakery at the mill around 1870.
In 1922, Ladislav Bayerle bought the entire property. He closed the mill. Bayerle transformed it into the U Trojanů restaurant. He added new pavilions and turned the mill pond into a swimming pool. In 1942, a builder named Šašek converted the buildings into apartments. To honor the mill’s history, he left one water wheel intact. Another owner later bought the area for agricultural use.
Trojanův mlýn stands as a testament to time. Its rich history and beautiful surroundings make it a special place. It is a reminder of simpler times.