Derelict mills are not just a British phenomenon. Above the Italian town of Amalfi sits the valle dei Mulini - a valley of now derelict 15 former paper mills. For several hundred years the fast-flowing rivers and streams provided water and power to manufacture high quality ‘bambagina’ paper. Cotton rags were collected, cleaned and a mash created. A water wheel powered cam shaft operated a series of hammers which pulverised the mash into a pulp. The pulp was placed in a frame, pressed and dried to manufacture a sheet of paper.
The industry fell into decline in the late 18th century when machinery began to replaced traditional techniques.
Many derelict mills along the valley can be visited on a walking trail. One has been converted into a house while the Museo della Carta paper museum still operates in a mill dating back to 1350. A further mill has been converted into the ‘Carta Cartolina’ shop selling high quality handmade Amalfi paper products.
