The Valley of the Mills - Gragnano

The Valley of the Mills in Gragnano is a true natural park of the territory where industrial archaeology and nature come together to create one of the most characteristic landscapes of the province of Naples.
The valley takes its name from the mills that, since the 13th century, carried out milling activities in this natural area, a continuation of the Valley of the Mills and the Ironworks of Amalfi, located on the southern slope beyond Mount Cervigliano overlooking the Gragnano valley.

This geographical connection, which led to commercial ties between Amalfi and Gragnano—an important transit point for those traveling from Pompei and Castellammare to reach the Amalfi coast by land—was likely the origin of milling activities in the area. Soon, textile production, especially silk manufacturing, became prominent and highly renowned.

The key connecting route led to the sea, from where grain arrived and finished products were shipped out. This allowed the nearly thirty mills built in the valley to meet the demand of bakers in Naples and surrounding towns.