Oldest Paper Mill in Europe

I was very fortunate to visit the oldest paper mill in Europe. The paper mill is located in Amalfi, Italy. 

The mill had a sense of calm and peace the moment you walked in. The guide showed me the process from start to finish, all powered by the river running through the mill. The dusty equipment used was still out, as if the workers were on there lunch break. 

In the beginning of the eighteenth century the writer Karl Friedrich points out: “The conductor of water rises along the declivity under the rocks which arches a cave or adherent the wall of the rock. Often the riverbeds of the Valle dei Mulini, are covered by large pergola’s of vines. The last edge of the valley is occupied by a building composed by different floors where paper is produced. Across this valley runs the Canneto river. The sources rises from the Lattari mountains, which cross a series of underground canals which run parallel but distinctly to the natural run of the river, to start moving the machines necessary for the production.”

In spite of all difficulties, the papermakers of Amalfi continued their production with respect for the tradition. From generation to generation, from father to son meanwhile conserving the enterprise inherent in their character. The last and tremendous attack to the paper industry had been caused by a flood in november 1954. This flood had destroyed most paper mills. From the sixteen paper mills in the area only three remained. The Amalfi paper mills have never been and could have never been a huge or middle size industry but has from the beginning the artisan character which has remained till today.