Sanctified Flour Mills Museum
The Holy Mill in Erfurt, Germany, is a remarkable historical landmark that stands as a testament to the country's industrial past. This water mill, unique in Germany, is the only known pearl barley mill in the country with fully functional undershot water wheels, making it a significant cultural and technological heritage site.
The mill's historical significance extends beyond Thuringia, as it was the birthplace of the "Erfurt Gang" for pearl barley production. This local specialty was a crucial part of the medieval and early modern European economies, particularly in grain processing. The mill's preservation allows us to gain insights into historic milling technologies that relied on water power, predating modern industrial machinery.
The mill's undershot water wheels are a key component of its milling and drive technology. These wheels, which date back to around 1860, have been meticulously preserved, repaired, and restored by Karl Friedrich Naue and his son Jürgen. Visitors to the Holy Mill can witness the operation of these three functional water wheels, providing a unique opportunity to observe the production process for pearl barley using historical machinery.
The Holy Mill is not only a historical site but also a living testament to the past. With 90 proven locations of water mills in the area, the mill serves as a reminder of the extensive use of water power in the region's industrial development. The mill's continued operation is a significant feature that sets it apart from other preserved mills, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the evolution of milling technology.
In conclusion, the Holy Mill in Erfurt is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, technology, or the intersection of the two. Its unique status as the only known pearl barley mill in Germany with fully functional undershot water wheels, coupled with its rich history and ongoing operation, makes it a truly unique and valuable cultural asset.
The mill's historical operation showcases the interlinking of the past and current industries, particularly in the realm of grains, as the Holy Mill's ongoing process of pearl barley milling is a testament to the mill's significance in the field. The mill's preservation and use of specialist machinery rooted in technology, such as the undershot water wheels dated back to around 1860, provide a fascinating glimpse into the marriage of finance and technology during the middle ages and early modern eras, when the Erfurt Gang played a crucial role in the European economy.
