Architectural development over the years
The beginnings of the mill can be traced to the 14th century when it is mentioned by Petr I of Rožmberk. A late Gothic stage of its construction took place probably in the mid 16th century. A thorough late Renaissance conversion of the mill was carried out in the years 1608 - 1611. This conversion is unusually well-documented in historical records. An extensive renovation took place in 1780. Around the year 1880, the adjacent gate in the town wall was demolished, the last in the town to meet this fate.
History of inhabitants of the house
This mill “below the castle”, formerly in tribute to the lord of Krumlov, is one of the oldest in the town. It is mentioned in a scroll (the original edict declaring town status) from Petr I of Rožmberk from the year 1347. This building plot no. 80 is specified as built up in 1514. In 1596, Petr Vok of Rožmberk transferred his tribute to the town, thereby making it a municipal mill. Then a great conversion was carried out in 1608 - 1611. The first town miller was Mates Schemerle. The first emphyteutic owner (an owner who shared ownership with the ruling lord) was the miller Antonín Postel from 1782. At that time the building no. 80 was separated from the others on the Ostrov (island). The weir also belonged to the mill. After 1850 the mill was in private ownership.
Legends, tales, interesting facts
According to legend, this mill was protected by a water sprite who also cared for freshwater oysters and pearls. He was also known as the “Pearly Man”. In tales they say his clothes were encrusted with beautiful rainbow pearls. He sometimes allowed pearls to be gathered on the Ostrov (Island). Those who wanted a particularly large and pretty pearl had to ask the Pearly Man for permission. Those who did not ask his leave either fell in the water or could not open the oyster – always something unpleasant happened to them or they lost the pearl.
Another tale tells how the mill got into financial difficulties and its inhabitants were also struck by illness. The miller’s wife could no longer stand these sorrows and in desperation sat down by the river to find strength. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Just then a small pretty maid appeared in front of her. She caught the tears in her apron and said: “Stop crying now, everything will be fine!” The tears turned into pearls and the maid advised the miller’s wife what to do with them and that she must not forget about the poor who also needed her help. Shortly afterwards, peace, well-being and happiness returned to the mill.
The mill at the present
After extensive renovations a theme restaurant with terrace has emerged on the banks of the River Vltava. On the first floor of the building there is a gallery with an exhibition of paintings and graphics by Krumlov artists Wilhelm Fischer and Bohuslav Coufal and other antique paintings of various styles by various artists. As well as the gallery there is a museum of vintage vehicles (cars, motorcycles and bicycles), clocks, steam engines and other interesting antiques.
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