Paper Mill in Duszniki-Zdrój - 500 Years of History
The only preserved historical paper mill in Poland, where paper has been made according to medieval methods since 1562.
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Paper mill in Duszniki-ZdrójMuseum of Papermaking in Duszniki-Zdrój
A pearl among European mills
The uniqueness of the building, as well as its unusual architecture, earned the mill the status of a Historic Monument as early as 2011, paving the way for efforts to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The historic entrance pavilion
The octagonal entrance pavilion, which has the shape of a tower, was built in the 1860s. It once led to the living area of the main building, which now houses an exhibition telling the history of paper and papermaking.
Architectural landmark of the Kłodzko region
The mill's western facade draws visitors' attention with its distinctive wooden volute gables.
Mock windows
Below the gable, there are more windows than there actually are - three of the seven have been painted over to preserve the building's harmony. In the past, the number of windows was an indicator of wealth.
Symbol of luxury
In the past, an indicator of wealth could also be a toilet - in the case of the Duszniki mill, it was a latrine bay located on the side of the courtyard, built in the 16th century.
Historic drying room
The former paper drying room is one of the most characteristic elements of the site, as it was made entirely of wood. It was built during the peak of the Duszniki papermaking boom, i.e. in the 18th century.
Paper mill in Duszniki-ZdrójMuseum of Papermaking in Duszniki-Zdrój
Papermaking
Since the beginning, paper making in Duszniki has taken place in the ground floor - that is, the historic moulding room. Today, at the Museum of Papermaking, anyone can create their own sheet of paper, using methods dating back to medieval Italy.
Duszniki-Zdrój, old paper mill Duszniki-Zdrój, old paper millMuseum of Papermaking in Duszniki-Zdrój
The Past
In the past, the Duszniki paper mill passed from hand to hand. It was owned by three families of paper makers - the Kretschmers, the Hellers and the Wiehrs. Duszniki paper was of such good quality that it was used at the courts of rulers in Prague, Vienna or Berlin.
Paper mill in Duszniki-Zdrój Paper mill in Duszniki-Zdrój (The 20s of the 20th Century) by Kunstverlag Herm. AdamMuseum of Papermaking in Duszniki-Zdrój
Turbulent history
Despite numerous territorial changes and natural disasters that struck the Kłodzko region, the paper mill has survived to this day and continues to impress with its beauty, welcoming thousands of tourists to its doors every year.
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