In Granny's Valley, they repaired the mill race, and are continuing to repair the channels

photo: https://www.zamek-ratiborice.cz/

Ratibořice - The National Heritage Institute in Babiččina Dolina in Ratibořice has launched test operation of the repaired mill race between the Old Bleaching Works and the mill. The renovation of the mill race took half a year. The builders cleaned the race, repaired the bridges over it and the sluices, and repaired the damage caused by the flood in 2013. The custodian of the Ratibořice Castle, Ivan Češka, stated this to ČTK today.

With the repair of the race that carries water from the Úpa River to the mill and the water fulling mill, construction work in the valley is not over. Builders and carpenters are now continuing with the restoration of the water troughs, which are wooden channels bringing water to the mill wheels. All three water wheels, two at the mill and one at the fulling mill, will also be new. All wooden elements are being made from oak by the carpenters.

The investment in the race, water troughs, and water wheels amounts to 8.5 million korunas including VAT. "If the weather is favorable, everything could be finished by the end of the year," said Češka.

Due to the construction work in Babiččina Dolina, fewer tourists have visited the Old Bleaching Works this year compared to previous years. According to the custodian, the decline is in the thousands of people. Now, tourist movement in the valley is no longer restricted. Besides the Old Bleaching Works, the mill, and the fulling mill, tourists also visit the castle in Ratibořice with the adjoining park. The setting for her book Babička was placed by writer Božena Němcová in Ratibořice and the Old Bleaching Works.