Within the cadastral area of the municipality Krivany there is an exceptional piece of engineering heritage – a 17th-century watermill. In the past, it was powered by water channelled through a trough to the top of a wooden wheel fitted with blades. The grain was originally ground between two large millstones; later, it was ground on so-called „rollers“.
From history
The mill remained in operation until 1952. It was used to grind grain into semolina, groats and flour; maize semolina, groats and even electricity for the mill’s own use were also produced here at a time when Krivany had not yet been electrified. The site also included an all-wooden sawmill, where timber was cut into planks, square timbers and boards. Following nationalisation in 1948 and the subsequent rise of the cooperative movement, the mill and the sawmill were closed down and sealed in 1952.
An important technical monument
In 1984, the mill was added to the list technical monuments, though without any significant financial support to save it. The first restoration work on this cultural heritage began in 1991. A civic association has been active in Krivany since 1996 The Kamenný mlyn Association for the Conservation of Horna Torysa, the main aim of which is to restore the old watermill to its original working condition, including the water channel and the waterwheel.
Source: legendarium.sk
Source of photographs: legendarium.sk
Map
Information
You can reach the Stone Watermill in Krivany by heading out of the main part of the village. You can drive right up to the mill, where there is free parking. If you’re travelling by public transport, it’s about a 15-minute walk from the bus stop in the village.
The mill does not have standard opening hours. Visits can be arranged by prior arrangement or on request; ideally, please contact the Kamenný mlyn Association or the local council in advance.
