Vallone dei Mulini Sorrento
A hidden gorge in Sorrento's heart, showcasing 13th-century mill ruins reclaimed by lush, vibrant nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Unique views year-round
Vallone dei Mulini Sorrento
Best Time
Unique views year-round
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gorge in Sorrento's heart, showcasing 13th-century mill ruins reclaimed by lush, vibrant nature.
"A timeless place where history and nature coexist in perfect harmony, offering an unexpected and fascinating glimpse."
📸 Best Photo Spot
Head to Via Fuorimura for the most stunning panoramic views of the valley and its ruins.
🚶♀️ Easy to Find
Located near Piazza Tasso, it's easily accessible from Sorrento's town center.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Valley of the Mills
Via Fuorimura lookout
A surreal gorge with 13th-century ruins, ancient mills, and lush vegetation reclaiming stone structures.
Nature's Reclamation
Vallone dei Mulini
Witness ferns and mosses entwining with ancient stone, creating a fairytale landscape where history meets vibrant greenery.
Historic Sawmill Ruins
Vallone dei Mulini
Explore the remnants of a 17th-century mill and sawmill, a testament to Sorrento's industrial past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into the Past
Viewing from Above
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Photo Spot
Head to Via Fuorimura for the most stunning panoramic views of the valley and its ruins. 
🚶♀️ Easy to Find
Located near Piazza Tasso, it's easily accessible from Sorrento's town center.
🚫 No Direct Access
Unfortunately, you can only admire the valley from above due to safety concerns.
🌿 Lush Greenery
The dense vegetation, especially ferns and mosses, creates a magical, almost lost-world atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Spot
Head to Via Fuorimura for the most stunning panoramic views of the valley and its ruins.
🚶♀️ Easy to Find
Located near Piazza Tasso, it's easily accessible from Sorrento's town center.
🚫 No Direct Access
Unfortunately, you can only admire the valley from above due to safety concerns.
🌿 Lush Greenery
The dense vegetation, especially ferns and mosses, creates a magical, almost lost-world atmosphere.
🕰️ A Step Back in Time
Imagine the past life of the mills and sawmills that once operated here.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Vallone dei Mulini's surreal beauty, a unique blend of ancient ruins and lush nature. While direct access is impossible, the view from the overlook is breathtaking and highly recommended for its historical significance and photographic potential. Some wish for closer access to explore the eerie, overgrown structures.
"Vallone dei Mulini, located in old town in Sorrento was apparently abandoned in the 20th century. It is an old historic building that looks extremely eerie from up top. It looks like the whole huge building fell down the gorge. However, there’s evidence that probably squaterers occupy it from one of the pictures I took that clearly shows a beer bottle on the terrace. I don’t know how they get to the building because I couldn’t find a way, path or anything that takes you there. The building is very old and fascinating and I would’ve loved to tour it. There is a lot of greenery and shrubs around it. Even though you don’t find this in the list of things to do in Sorrento, I highly recommend it for those who love archeology, history and old buildings."
R K
"Beautiful spot"
sergio viñolo
"The Vallone dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills) in Sorrento is an enchanting and evocative place, a fascinating testament to how nature reclaims what man has abandoned. Nestled in a deep cleft in the rock, this ancient valley is all that remains of an ancient river valley and is home to the remains of a 17th-century mill and sawmill.
The atmosphere is almost surreal: lush vegetation, nourished by the high humidity of the area, completely envelops the ruins, creating a fairytale landscape. Ferns, mosses, and other plants have climbed the ancient stone structures, blending with them. The feeling is of being in a timeless place, a sort of urban jungle where history and nature coexist in perfect harmony.
Although it is not possible to descend into the valley for safety reasons, the view from the Via Fuorimura lookout is breathtaking. The perspective from above allows you to appreciate the depth of the gorge and the beauty of the contrast between the decaying architecture and the vitality of the vegetation.
The Vallone dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills) is a one-of-a-kind attraction, perfect for those who love photography, nature, and places with a story to tell. It's a peaceful oasis just steps from the center of Sorrento, offering an unexpected and fascinating glimpse. An experience not to be missed for anyone in the area."
Sergio Pappada'
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Vallone dei Mulini is conveniently located in the heart of Sorrento, just a short walk from Piazza Tasso. You can easily reach the viewing point on Via Fuorimura by foot from the main square.
While there isn't direct parking at the viewing spot, several public parking garages are available in Sorrento's town center, including the one near Piazza Tasso. From there, it's a pleasant walk.
Yes, Sorrento is well-connected by public transport. Buses from Naples and other towns along the Amalfi Coast will bring you to Sorrento's central bus station, from which you can walk to the Vallone dei Mulini.
The viewing area at Via Fuorimura is generally accessible, but the path might have some inclines. Direct access into the valley is not possible for anyone.
The most straightforward way is to walk from Piazza Tasso, following signs towards Via Fuorimura. It's a short and scenic stroll through the charming streets of Sorrento.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to view the Vallone dei Mulini from the designated lookout points. It's a free attraction for all visitors.
The viewing area is accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor public space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best views and photography.
Unfortunately, direct access into the Vallone dei Mulini is not permitted for safety reasons. Visitors can only admire the gorge and its ruins from the viewpoints above.
While there aren't official guided tours specifically for the Vallone dei Mulini, many local Sorrento tours may include a stop or mention of this unique site.
The mills and the valley were gradually abandoned in the mid-19th century, with the last operations ceasing in the early 20th century.
📸 📸 Photography
Late morning or early afternoon offers good natural light for capturing the lush greenery and the textures of the ancient ruins. Golden hour can also provide dramatic lighting.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the depth of the gorge and the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the ruins.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and historical sites in Italy. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
The main viewpoint on Via Fuorimura offers the classic, breathtaking panorama. Look for interesting angles where the vegetation dramatically intertwines with the stonework.
Since direct access is prohibited, all photos will be taken from the viewing platforms. This perspective emphasizes the scale and the natural takeover of the ruins.
🎫 🌿 Nature & History
This valley was formed thousands of years ago by volcanic eruptions and the erosive action of two streams. It housed mills and a sawmill powered by these waters, dating back to the 13th century.
The high humidity, limited ventilation, and specific microclimate within the deep gorge create ideal conditions for lush vegetation, including ferns and mosses, to thrive on the ancient structures.
The area is known for its unique flora, including various types of ferns, mosses, and other moisture-loving plants that have adapted to grow on the ruins.
While the gorge itself is a natural formation shaped by volcanic activity and water erosion, the ruins within it are man-made structures from historical mills and sawmills.
The combination of ancient, decaying architecture with vibrant, persistent nature creates a surreal and timeless atmosphere, evoking a sense of mystery and history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring a stroller if needed, as the walk from central Sorrento is manageable. The viewing area is safe, but always supervise children closely. Combine this visit with a stop at a nearby playground or a gelato shop for a complete family outing in Sorrento.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Key photographic elements: Focus on the textures of the stone and moss, the depth of the valley, and the interplay of light and shadow. Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the scene. The overlook on Via Fuorimura is your primary vantage point, offering a spectacular, albeit distant, view.
+1🚶♀️ History Buffs & Urban Explorers
While direct exploration is not possible, the historical context and the visual evidence from the overlook provide a rich experience. Imagine the sounds of the waterwheels and the daily life that once filled this now-serene gorge. It’s a place that encourages reflection on the cycles of human endeavor and nature's enduring presence.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological and Historical Formation
Historically, the valley was a hub of activity, housing a 17th-century mill and a sawmill. These structures ingeniously harnessed the power of the flowing water to grind grain and process wood. For centuries, this was the industrial heart of a small part of Sorrento. However, by the mid-19th century, changes in water flow and perhaps economic shifts led to the gradual abandonment of these mills. The last operations ceased in the early 20th century, leaving the structures to the mercy of time and nature.
Today, the Vallone dei Mulini stands as a poignant reminder of this past. While the ruins are inaccessible for safety reasons, the view from above offers a compelling narrative of nature's reclamation. Lush vegetation, thriving in the humid, sheltered environment, has completely enveloped the ancient stone, creating a unique and almost mystical landscape. It's a place where the echoes of industry meet the persistent vitality of the natural world.
+1Experiencing the Vallone dei Mulini
+1The atmosphere is often described as surreal and enchanting. The dense foliage, including ferns and mosses, creates a sense of stepping into a lost world, a stark contrast to the bustling town of Sorrento just meters away. Many visitors find the juxtaposition of ancient, decaying architecture with the vigorous growth of nature to be incredibly evocative and peaceful. It’s a place that sparks the imagination and invites contemplation.
While you cannot descend into the valley, the experience of viewing it from the overlook is highly recommended. It’s a testament to how nature can reclaim even the most man-made structures, creating a beautiful and haunting spectacle. The Vallone dei Mulini offers a quiet, reflective moment amidst the vibrant energy of the Amalfi Coast, providing a glimpse into a hidden, historical dimension of Sorrento.
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