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The Valley of Paper Mills, extending beyond the main centre of Amalfi, is a stunning terrain of dramatic cliffs, streams and waterfalls, a lovely landscape with a variegated vegetation typical of South Italy.
From the early 19th century so many writers and artists of Grand Tour found in it an image which matched the Romantic ideal, and venerated the savage and solitary beauty of the Valley with the ancient ruins of mills and iron foundries.
Our walking tour begins from piazza Flavio Gioia, next to the Arsenali della Repubblica or Shipyard, which was the bustling commercial and maritime area of old Amalfi.
Through the ancient Porta della Marina we will enter into the old city, that is piazza Duomo and marvel at the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Andrew, its imposing bell tower, the Moorish Cloister of Paradise and the baroque Crypt.
Continuing among tiny lanes of old neighbourhoods we will reach a stepped path that takes you beyond the city streets and into the panoramic Valley of the Mills. On the left side wide ridges of lemon grooves spill down the hillsides.
Deeper in the Valley are the ghostly remains of mills, sometimes straddling the river to utilize the prevailing winds in drying process.
Further ahead the path is close to the stream and is surrounded by elder, horn-trees and poplars. A few flight of steps and we find the dramatic ruins of an old iron foundry. From here we can climb into the Nature Reserve, a protected area with dense vegetation and the rare giant fern Woodwardia radicans.
On the way back to Amalfi we can stop at the Agricola Fore Porta a typical restaurant for a quick bite or a refreshing lemonade.
We can also walk to the village of Pontone. The path itself is easy to follow, completely empty and giving us the feeling of having the whole valley to ourselves and supplied countless amazing views.
A long flight of steps weaving among lemon terraces, take us down to Amalfi. Time has come for us to say goodbye, but we could also visit the Paper Museum, set in a medieval paper mill that is still in operation today.
Do not hesitate to contact me for any information or to customize your tour, and book as soon as possible!
