THE PAPER ROAD OF AMALFI
In the past, one of the main productive activities of Amalfi, the ancient Maritime Republic, was the paper, also known as “carta a mano” or “bambagina” which is still today the pride of this town.
by Annalisa Russo
Actually, the connection between Amalfi and the paper is older than you could imagine. And this is the reason why, today, we take a journey into the past discovering this type of paper, how it got to Amalfi and how it evolved over time.
Today, attending the traditional papermaking techniques is still possible thanks to the unique and interactive paper museum of Amalfi, recommended for both adults and children.
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Amalfi paper factory
History of paper: from China to Amalfi
According to the tradition, the paper was invented by Chinese people in the 2nd century AD. using barks of mulberry and bamboo that later the Arabs replaced with fabric.
The Amalfitans learned the manufacturing techniques of the paper from the Arabs with whom they had intense commercial relations. Therefore, in a short time, the many paper factories along the valle dei mulini lead to the development of a real paper industry where the motive force of the water of the River Canneto was exploited.
One of the most ancient demonstrations of the use of paper in Amalfi dates from 1231. In that year, Federico II forbade with a decree the use of the paper for the public acts, imposing, instead, the use of the most durable parchment. Actually, soon the paper would have replaced the parchment, having its golden age in the course of 1700.
When, during the 18th century, industrialization began, there were the first difficulties. The process of completely handmade paper fabrication couldn't keep up with the industrialization, and paper production in Amalfi became too expensive. The lack of transportation and communication due to the location of the valle dei mulini and the lack of the constant flow of the water are only some of the main problems that the paper manufacturers have to face. Then, this crisis culminated with the flood of 1954. Only a few paper factories survived, such as the Amatruda, which is still working nowadays, and the Milano paper factory which is today the Paper Museum of Amalfi, a place that will show you how this town is full of history and traditions.
The Paper Museum - Amalfi
photocredits www.museodellacarta.it
Paper production
photocredits www.museodellacarta.it
The Paper Museum of Amalfi
"You will travel more strolling around the alleys of Amalfi than visiting entire nations."
Fabrizio Caramagna
Amalfi will enchant you with its beauty: get lost among its alleys, where past and present are mingled together offering you a unique experience. Not far from the heart of Amalfi, in about 10-15 minutes walking from the square where the wonderful Cathedral stands, there is the Paper Museum, an ancient paper factory that dates from the 13th century. It was turned into a museum at the behest of the paper manufacturer Nicola Milano.
The Museum of the Paper of Amalfi, with its great historical and cultural heritage, will give you the opportunity to take a journey into the past, making you feel the emotion of the birth of the paper of Amalfi. The machines used in the paper production are the same employed in the past. Restored and perfectly working, they are activated thanks to the motive force of the water of the River Canneto.
Inside the museum you will be able to enjoy many machines, such as the ancient machine with multiple hammers used to reduce to pulp the cloths, strictly in natural fibers and collected in stone “tubs” or the Dutch machine, used in substitution of the previous during the second half of the 18th century. Then, we have to mention the 18th century presses used to eliminate the water in excess and the spanditoi (the place where the freshly made sheets of paper were taken to be dried).
This museum will give you a unique experience! Do not miss this opportunity!
- The carta a mano (handmade paper) of Amalfi, made from natural fibers, is more durable than the paper made from cellulose. As a matter of fact, the Amalfi paper is eternal. Today it is really appreciated by the Vatican which still uses it for valuable works, and by the artists.
- A lot of people do not know the reason why this type of paper is preferred for wedding participations. Since the paper of Amalfi is eternal, this is a wish for the couple and their marriage, hoping that their union will last forever.
- Do you want to visit the Paper Museum? Keep your Travelmar ticket, The Amalfi Coast ferry service and show it at the Amalfi Paper Museum entrance. You will receive a special discount on the cost of your ticket.
For info visit www.travelmar.it
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