The Way of Water
The Vázsony Rattling Water Mill (Csörgő vizimalom) is located along the route of the National Blue Trail at the junction of the roads leading to Nagyvázsony castle, the Pauline monastery, Veszprém and Kab Hill. When exactly it was built is not known, but the technology used suggests that it was at about the same time when the Kinizsi Castle was constructed in the 15th century. In 2020, a few friends saw the potential in the ruinous historic building, and they have been working on its restoration in their spare time ever since.
They are giving the old mill new roles and gradually making it suitable for mixed uses: cultural events, permanent and temporary exhibitions, a resting station for hikers on the Blue Trail, and accommodation for pilgrims. The reconstruction of the water wheel is a work of art involving industrial and visual artists that reminds visitors of the former water mills of Nagyvázsony and the activities of the millers.
In 2022, the permanent exhibition of local history will be completed, with the specific motif of documenting and making the restoration process of the water mill and the history of the building accessible together. During the summer of 2023, on four weekends each, a contemporary fine arts exhibition, a professional conversation related to the mill and the wildlife along the banks of the stream and progressive contemporary concerts (jazz, folk music, choir) will await those interested in the course of the Mill Picnics.
A mill has always been a community space, a great place for people to meet because of its continuous operation and the constant flow of customers. It has also been a pioneer of technological progress; it is by no means a coincidence that water mills were among the first to use electric lighting. The goal is to resurrect and reinstate the cultural, historical and economic importance of the Nagyvázsony water mill into the local and regional public consciousness. It is, after all, an industrial relic which was and may perhaps in the future be an essential element of the self-sufficient – in other words, circular - economy.
Implemented by: Vázsonyi Malom Nonprofit Kft.
Date: Summer 2023
Location: Nagyvázsony
