Museum of the Charter of Amalfi: history, visit and what to see
The Museum of the Charter of Amalfi is one of the most interesting places to visit to get to know a traditional craftsmanship that marked the history of the city.
The museum is housed in an ancient cartier dating back to XIII century, in the Valley of the Mills, and conserves historical machinery used for the production of the famous hand-paper of Amalfi.
During the visit it is possible to see the ancient hydraulic systems, wooden wives, stone batteries, presses and the Dutch machine installed in the tank in 1745. Some of the machines have been restored and are put into operation during visits.
Where is the Amalfi Charter Museum?
The Paper Museum is located in Via delle Cartiere 23Amalfi.
Its location is particularly interesting because it leads the visitor out of the most crowded part of the center and towards Valley of the Mills, the area where the water of the Canneto stream was used to feed the machines of the ancient mills.
From the centre of Amalfi you can walk to Via delle Cartiere.
For those arriving by car, instead, it is advisable to organize first stop.
The history of the map in Amalfi
The production of paper has become one of the most characteristic craft activities of Amalfi over the centuries.
The ancient mills used the water of the Canneto stream to operate the hydraulic systems necessary for processing.
The museum preserves this productive memory and allows to understand how a traditional paper mill transformed textile fibres into paper sheets.
The visit is not only an exhibition of ancient objects: the route allows you to see the original environment of the paper mill and the machinery that made production possible.
Why is the map of Amalfi so famous?
The hand map of Amalfi, also known as Girlfriend, it is still considered one of the most characteristic craft productions of the city.
Tradition is linked to the use of textile fibres such as linen, cotton and hemp, which were processed through a complex process.
The Museum of the Paper preserves the tools and techniques that allow to tell this tradition.
What to see in the Paper Museum
The path of the museum allows you to observe different elements of the ancient cartier.
Among the most interesting ones are:
- the ancient wood carvings;
- the hydraulic wheel;
- the large stone piles;
- I'll give it to you. 18th century presses;
- the Dutch 1745 machine;
- the machine continues in round;
- the ancient water channeling systems;
- the instruments used by the master paper.
The ancient seas operated by the water
One of the most fascinating elements are the large wooden marbles.
Their function was to beat and chop the rags of linen, cotton and hemp used to produce the dough necessary for the formation of the sheets.
The system used the water force of the Canneto stream, transforming natural energy into a mechanical force.
The Dutch machine of 1745
Among the most important objects preserved in the museum is Dutch machine, installed in the tank on 18 November 1745.
Its presence demonstrates the evolution of paper production techniques and the progressive transition from manual processing to more efficient mechanical systems.
Do you want to see how the map of Amalfi was born?
You can visit the Paper Museum with a guide and participate in the processing of a real hand-made paper.
The guided tour of the Paper Museum
The guided tour is particularly interesting because it allows you to understand the operation of the machinery and the paper production process.
The museum shows guided tours in Italian and English, with possibility, on request and availability, also in French and German.
The guided tour also provides the opportunity to participate in the realization of your hand-paper.
This is probably the most engaging part of experience, especially for those travelling with children or want to bring home something really related to the tradition of Amalfi.
The Handmade Paper Experience
The experience of hand-made paper allows you to switch from simple observation to participation.
The museum now offers an entrance with a guided tour and Handmade Paper Experience, during which the visitor can participate in the processing of a sheet of paper. There is also a small card gadget.
Online booking can be made until 48 hours before arrival.
Private hand-made paper experience
For those looking for something more exclusive, the museum also offers a Private visit with Handmade Paper Experience.
In this case the visit is exclusively dedicated to your group and includes participation in paper processing. The museum indicates a minimum of two participants.
Do you prefer a more exclusive experience?
Discover the private visit of the Museum of the Charter with practical experience of production of the map of Amalfi.
How much is the Charter Museum of Amalfi?
The Museum currently indicates:
- Standard adult entrance: €4,50
- Children: €3,00
- Entrance with adult guided tour: €7,00
- Entrance with children's guided tour: €6,00
- Exclusive visit: from €15 to €20 depending on the type.
The museum also offers thestandard input, without guided tour, can be purchased online or directly at the ticket office.
Prices can change, so it is always better to check the updated conditions before purchase.
Opening hours of the Paper Museum
Times change during the year.
From 1 March to 2 November the museum is currently open every day from 10:00 to 19:00, with last entrance at 18:20. In other periods of the year different openings are planned.
For this reason, before planning the visit, I recommend to check the updated official times.
👉 Official link: Hours and information of the Museum of the Charter
How long does it take to visit the Paper Museum?
For a normal visit it is reasonable to predict about an hour, while time can increase if you choose a guided tour or participate in the practical experience.
On GetYourGuide the average duration indicated for activities related to the Paper Museum is about 1–2 hours.
This makes the museum easy to insert even on a day dedicated to the discovery of the center of Amalfi.
Is the Paper Museum suitable for children?
Yes.
In fact, the possibility of personally make a sheet of paper makes the visit much more interesting for children than just visiting a traditional museum.
The practical part allows to transform a historical explanation into a concrete activity.
For a family, then, I would choose the guided tour with Handmade Paper Experience compared to the simple standard entry.
Travelling to Amalfi with children?
The visit to the Paper Museum becomes even more interesting if you choose the practical experience: children can discover how a hand-made sheet of paper is born.
The Gift Shop of the Paper Museum
Inside the museum there is also a Gift Shop where the local production of hand-paper is proposed together with writing accessories and other hand-made products.
It is probably one of the best places in Amalfi to buy a souvenir that really has a connection with the history and tradition of the city.
The craft paper can also be particularly interesting for those seeking:
- letter paper;
- tickets;
- album;
- writing products;
- Little presents.
How to get to the Paper Museum
The museum is located in Via delle Cartiere 23.
The most pleasant solution, if you stay in Amalfi, is to reach it on foot from the center following the road that goes up the Valley of the Mills.
If you arrive by car, consider that parking is limited.
Is it worth visiting the Museum of the Charter?
Yes, especially if you want to see a different side of Amalfi.
The Cathedral, the historic center and the sea are of course the most famous attractions of the city, but the Museum of the Charter allows you to know a part of its identity that often goes unnoticed.
The most interesting thing is that it is not just about observing objects behind a showcase: the old paper mill, the working machinery and the possibility to participate in the production of a sheet make the visit very concrete.
For this reason I would insert it without hesitation among the things to see in Amalfi, especially for those who stay in the city at least a whole day.
Read our guide:
Where is the Amalfi Charter Museum?
The Paper Museum is located in Via delle Cartiere 23, in the Valley of the Mills of Amalfi
How much is the card ticket?
The standard adult ticket is currently €4,50, while the entrance with guided tour costs €7. Child reductions are provided.
How long does the visit to the Museum of the Charter last?
The tour can last about an hour, while the activities available on the tourist circuit can take about 1–2 hours.
Can you make your card at the Museum of the Paper?
Yes. The museum offers a Handmade Paper Experience during which the visitor can participate in the realization of a sheet of paper by hand.
Is the Paper Museum suitable for children?
Yes, especially by choosing the guided tour with practical paper processing experience.
Can you visit the Paper Museum without a guide?
Yes. A standard entrance is available that allows the free visit of the museum.
What to see after the Paper Museum?
After the visit you can return to the centre of Amalfi and continue your itinerary.
You can better plan your visit by consulting our guides:
🔗What to see in Amalfi ➡️
🔗 Cathedral of Amalfi ➡️
🔗 Where to eat in Amalfi ➡️
🔗 Where to sleep in Amalfi ➡️
🔗 How to get to Amalfi ➡️
🔗 Where to park in Amalfi ➡️
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