Baler’s Windmill

One of the examples of how people were able to take advantage of nature is the windmill near Spálov.

The brick structure is described as the smallest Dutch-type windmill in the Czech Republic. It was built in 1929 by František Baler. There used to be seven windmills in the vicinity of Spálov, which were gradually taken elsewhere and so the area suddenly lacked a windmill. Therefore, Mr. Baler decided to build a new mill.

It is interesting to note that the mills in this area used to be of the German type, i.e. wooden. It was a kind of “chicken house”, where the whole structure rotates against the wind. But the windmill near Spálov uses the experience of Dutch builders and only the roof with the wind wheel is set to the wind. Therefore, it can be brick and solid. This is why it has survived to this day.

After the death of the owner in 1940, the mill fell into disrepair and gradually only the outer walls remained. Today, the “windmill” has been repaired and serves as a technical monument for those interested in learning about the traditions of the Moravské Kravařsko region and is also part of the magical Poodří region, which attracts especially young visitors on trips to this picturesque area.

Contact

Úřad Městyse Spálov
Spálov 62
742 37 Odry
E-mail: obec@spalov.cz
Web: https://www.spalov.cz
Tel.: +420 702 120 206