Water mill in Brzeźnica

The water mill in Brzeźnica has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, when a wooden and stone structure stood here. In the 1920s, the mill was demolished and replaced with a brick building, which operated until 1946, when nationalization led to its closure. The last owner before the war was the miller Mikołaj, known as Mika, who died shortly after the war after stepping on a mine in his field. After his death, the mill was taken over by his wife and daughter, but their lack of milling knowledge resulted in the building being flooded over a dozen times. Due to disuse, the millrace and two ponds that diverted water were filled in. In 1994, the mill became the property of the Bavarian company Alston, which intended to convert it into lodgings, but these plans never materialized. Eventually, the property was transferred to the Eichendorff Upper Silesian Center for Culture and Meetings in Łubowice, which, under the leadership of Leonard Wochnik, decided to restore it. As part of the renovation work, carried out in cooperation with German master miller Gerhard Simon, the foundations were deepened, the roof was secured, and the mill wheel was restored. The mill was officially reopened on August 27, 2006. Architecturally, the mill features adaptations to its natural environment, powered by water from a nearby stream. Culturally, the Brzeźnica Mill is linked to the poet Joseph von Eichendorff, who frequently visited the site in his youth. In the shadow of the mill, he wrote his poems, including "The Broken Ring," inspired by his unrequited love for the miller's daughter, Miller. Her parents, opposed to the relationship, sent her to Austria, and Eichendorff, unable to see her, created what became known as "In einem kühlen Grunde," a piece often performed by choirs. Between 1936 and 1945, the village of Brzeźnica was named Eichendorffmühl, highlighting the connection between this place and literature and culture. The mill is not only an important architectural landmark but also a cultural and historical heritage site of the region.