The citizens of Amalfi probably picked up the art of paper making from Arab traders in the 12th century, and the town became one of the first and primary paper producers in medieval Europe. At the Paper Museum, a renovated paper mill with water-powered machines and equipment, learn all about the process of traditional paper making by machine and by hand—from working the linen, hemp, cotton, and jute rags to drying the individual sheets of paper.
A visit to the Paper Museum is easily included in a day trip to Amalfi from Rome, Naples, or Sorrento, or on an Amalfi Coast tour that also stops in Positano and Ravello. To save time, buy a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
The Paper Museum is an especially fun stop for kids, with its hands-on historic machines and paper-making experience.
The museum isn’t wheelchair-accessible.
Day tours of the Amalfi Coast require walking outdoors, so wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
Amalfi paper is sold in shops around town.
The Paper Museum is located on Via delle Cartiere in the center of Amalfi, a short walk uphill from the main square and the Duomo. You can reach Amalfi by ferry from Naples in the summer, or by bus from Sorrento or Salerno year-round.
Amalfi is one of the most popular destinations on the Amalfi Coast, making it very crowded in the summer. Open every day, the Paper Museum is a cool and quiet respite from the high-season crowds during the busy midday hours.
Don’t miss one of Amalfi’s most iconic sights, the town’s glorious 9th-century cathedral, Duomo di Sant'Andrea. Famous for the monumental staircase that runs from the town’s main square to the church’s portico above, the cathedral is a headliner for its blend of architectural styles and beautiful views.