A Living Legacy Since 1938
You are standing in front of the last watermill in the Potkomovlje region, where, albeit rarely, corn kernels are still ground into fine yellow powder used to make the famous Vasojević kolobotnjica. This grain mill has existed since 1938. It was built by the esteemed host Milić Đerković, who left it as a legacy to his sons and grandchildren.
His grandson Dragan has not forgotten this heritage—he still takes care of the mill, maintains it, and occasionally sets its stone in motion, just as it once ground tons of the finest flour. The sound of the millstone and the murmuring stream were once an essential part of daily life in this area, and the scent of freshly ground flour filled the valley.
Perućica – The River of Perun
When the Slavs settled these fertile mountainous lands and valleys in the 6th century, they named the river after their supreme deity, Perun—hence Perućica. To them, it was powerful and mighty, just like the ruler of the sky and thunder.
In the past, up until shortly after World War II, there were numerous watermills along its banks. They operated at full capacity, and milling appointments had to be scheduled in advance. In those post-war years, millers took a five percent share of the ground flour as payment. Today, Dragan is willing to grind for free—just to keep the mill from rusting.
A Life Rooted in Grain and Stone
Once, every inch of arable land in the villages below Komovi was cultivated. In addition to corn, white grains—wheat, rye, barley, and oats—were grown. These crops sustained families, providing bread, porridge, and pies that formed the foundation of their diet.
This mill stands as a monument—a silent witness to times when countless generations were raised on bread made from grain ground in the Đerković watermill. Today, as fewer people engage in agriculture and old skills fade into history, the mill remains a reminder of the perseverance and dedication of our ancestors.
Grinding for the Sake of Memory
The sound of water driving the millstone and the scent of freshly ground flour transport us back in time—to an era when life was simpler, yet filled with community and hard work. If you want to experience the spirit of the past, visit this mill, listen to its whisper, and feel the connection to a tradition that is slowly disappearing.
