THE PAPER MILL VALLEY: THE BEAUTY OF A STORY THAT REPEATS ITSELF

Just like its coast, the hinterland of Lake Garda has many hidden gems. The Paper Mill Valley (Valle delle Cartiere in Italian), which can be accessed from Toscolano, is a magical place where you can find biodiversity, lush vegetation and refreshing coolness, as well as evidence of industrial archaeology.

In fact, paper had already been made in the Valle delle Cartiere in Toscolano since 1381 (hence the name). Paper was invented in China around 2000 BC. and arrived in Italy in 1100, but its use was initially banned. The new sheets, compared to the parchment used until then, could be easily destroyed and, furthermore, carried no indication of origin. After the invention of the watermark to identify the origin of the sheets- by 1230, Fabriano saw the territory saturated with paper mills. The power of paper quickly became clear.

Later, during the era of the maritime republics, Venice became one of the main trade hubs, as well as a publishing centre in Europe. Papermakers moved northwards, facing several challenges: dirtier water, harsher climates. And then the Garda area was discovered: thanks to its Mediterranean microclimate, a year-round paper production was feasible. Soon, Toscolano reached 52 paper mills, all supplying paper to Venice.

In more recent times, certain factors turned paper making in Toscolano into an increasingly impractical business, particularly due to the fact that it was very difficult to reach the valley. The Valle delle Cartiere fell into a state of abandonment and entered a period of decline. The recovery process began in 2008: an ecomuseum and a route through relics of industrial archaeology were created.

«I felt it was right to return to making handmade paper, to revive ancient crafts», says Filippo Cantoni, founder of Toscolano Paper, who since 2012 has committed himself to bringing back this historic activity, just like in the old days. He purchases old printing machines, learns from elderly papermakers (his grandfather had also worked in a paper mill). Today, he makes extremely fine, high-quality material for renowned brands that wish to make paper a reflection of their philosophy: events, weddings and, above all, menus for gourmet restaurants, including ˈGramenˈ, the restaurant at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda, where we rediscover our connection with Earth.

A bond imprinted in every plant fibre, in every corner of the soul.