Technical monuments Záhorie

A unique technical monument attracts visitors to one of the westernmost Slovak towns, Holíč in the Skalica district. Right here, on Hrebeň hill, southeast of the town, stands the only preserved windmill in Slovakia. The history of the stone windmill near Holíč dates back to the 1880s. Due to its uniqueness, the mill was listed as a national cultural monument as early as 1972. Flour has not been ground here since the end of World War I, but the original atmosphere of Holland remains to this day. Come and see for yourself.

In place of the current stone building, the original wooden mill once stood. It was a German-type structure, which belonged among the oldest of its kind in the entire territory of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. At the end of the 19th century, the original mill was replaced by a stone technical building of the Dutch type with a characteristic circular layout. The credit for its construction is attributed to master carpenter František Sláma. The original structure was covered with a rotating wooden dome, which was replaced by a brick one in the 1920s. At that time, however, the mill was no longer serving its purpose and began to fall into disrepair.

The restoration of the monument in 1970 was thanks to a local hunters' association. Currently, visitors are allowed entry to the historical mill by prior arrangement. Interesting cultural and social events are occasionally held in the surroundings of the building. If you are lucky, you might come across one during your visit to Holíč. You will thus have a unique opportunity to enjoy a celebration against the backdrop of a charming Dutch structure.

The windmill is by far not the only historical attraction in Holíč. During your visit to the town, be sure not to miss a tour of the beautiful Holíčsky zámok and the local municipal museum. Another unique attraction is the Holíčske megality megaliths, cult stones decorated with ancient engravings that have earned the nickname "Slovak Stonehenge". As visitors, you will certainly be pleased with the varied selection of accommodation near the windmill in Holíč. On our page accommodation in Holíč, you will find a whole range of enticing accommodation facilities. The offer includes popular choices like cottages, as well as comfortable guesthouses and modern apartments. All you need to do is choose a date and plan your itinerary.

The well-known town of trdelník and gingerbread biscuits, Skalica, is famous for the fact that many mills once stood on its territory. One of them is Mlyn bratov Pilárikových, which was originally a small water mill near the lower town gate. The original building was in a desolate state, and so the brothers decided to demolish it. In 1927, the new construction of a three-story electrically powered mill was approved.

This wonderfully preserved technical monument can be visited during the main season from May to September during opening hours; during the remaining months of the year, it is necessary to arrange a visit in advance. The exhibition will certainly be interesting for the whole family. Time stopped here in the interwar period of the Czechoslovak Republic. The industrial complex carries this unmistakable patina with it, and its components reveal a piece of our history.

For decades, the brothers milled flour from various cereals here, and even produced groats and baby semolina. In 1939, the power source of the mill was changed to gas, and its operation was not interrupted even by World War II, because flour for the entire army and state institutions was milled here. However, sadder moments also came when, in 1951, the mill had to be handed over as part of nationalization, and the Pilárik brothers lost all their property. A peculiarity was that, in addition to flour, the state enterprise also milled PVC plastic at the mill. In 1962, the mill building was definitively closed and its operation terminated. The brothers got their property back only after the revolution in 1989, when they regained the mill as part of restitution. A very nice gesture was made by the town of Skalica in 2004, when it bought the mill and preserved its glory in the form of a museum exhibition. A former enthusiastic employee of the mill also contributed to the authenticity of the monument and the premises.

After your visit to this magical place, do not rush home, as the Záhorie region is ready for you to get to know it better. Accommodation near Mlyn bratov Pilárikových can be found easily. Cottages and guest houses in Záhorie have their own tradition. Friendly owners will gladly welcome you and certainly also advise you on tips for trips. Originally, 9 mills stood in Skalica, including one windmill, which unfortunately has not been preserved. However, do not be sad; you can find a beautiful one in the nearby village of Holíč. Veterný mlyn pri Holíči is the only windmill structure that has been preserved in Slovakia. Do not miss the Holíčske megality megaliths and the majestic Holíčsky zámok chateau either. A pleasant walk awaits you by Skalické rybníky, and in summer you can have a great time letting loose at the Kúpalisko Skalica - Zlatnícka dolina swimming pool. During your holiday in Slovakia, the scent of freshly baked skalický trdelník pastries will accompany you at every step.