3706 Fabriano - Museo della Carta e della Filigrana

[LEFT]The growth of the European economy in the early 15th century sparked off a steady demand for books. This demand was aided by the availability of paper being manufactured in large quantities. Although claimed to be a Chinese invention, the Arabs apparently were the original discovers of paper in the 8th century. [/LEFT]

Because paper was a much cheaper alternative than parchment, more paper mills began to appear on the scene throughout Europe. The medieval city of Fabriano, to the southwest of Ancona, is not only the birthplace of Gentile da Fabbriano (you can see his four saints and Adoration of the Magi in the Uffizi-Firenze), it is one of the very first European cities ever to be involved in the production of paper.
In the Marche, Fabriano is known as the Città della Carta because of its papermaking roots that date back to the later part of the 12th century. But is real claim to fame is that the filigrana (watermark) was invented here.

Today, Fabriano still produces paper (much of it used for banknotes) and its biggest mill is the Milani Paper Mill, founded by Pietro Miliani back in 1782. Not only is Miliani reputed to have introduced a number of quality improvements ad innovations in papermaking techniques, the company renovated what used to be the convent of San Domenico to create the Museo della Carta e della Filigrana.

The Museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of paper and papermaking techniques. Alternatively, you can visit the Grande Museo dell’horror e del fantasy in the centro storico, which houses Europe’s largest collection of monsters, ghouls, aliens and nasty creatures, many of which featured in films such as Dracula and Frankenstein for example.