The area known as the “Valle dei mulini” or “Valley of Mills” is a collection of lush ruins located in the depths of a steep crevice in the center of Sorrento, Italy.

The dense and lush vegetation engulfs the deep gorge, with a six-story building situated at its very core. This factory was once functional but has been abandoned since the early 1900s. The building is now almost unrecognizable, as thick layers of moss, overgrown fern branches, and various climbing plants have taken over the structure, giving it an appearance more akin to a natural rock formation than a human-made artifact.

Approximately 35,000 years ago, the eruption of the Phlegraean Fields – an active volcano located west of Naples – resulted in the formation of this particular canyon. Like other canyons along the Sorrentine coast, it is characterized by dramatic cliffs and canyons created by lava flows, which now serve as a natural boundary between the towns of Meta, Piano di Sorrento, Sant’Agnello, and Sorrento.

During the 13th century, the construction of flour mills led to the development of other industrial areas that took advantage of the available water source, including sawmills and laundry houses. However, as flour milling shifted to nearby pasta mills, this particular industrial area became obsolete and the buildings were eventually closed and abandoned in the 1940s.

Over time, the brick buildings in Mills Valley have been slowly taken over by lush greenery that flourishes in the damp crevices. The stunning buildings tucked away in the valley resemble something straight out of a science fiction movie where humans no longer inhabit the world.

As you approach from downtown Sorrento, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of a valley that looks like a whimsical kingdom with its own mysterious world. The thick canopy of century-old oak trees blocks out the noise of car horns and motorbikes, leaving only the sweet melodies of chirping birds and buzzing ticks to echo through the air.

The walls and floors that surround much of the valley floor add to the sense of mystery, while the dense and murky scenery with its fanciful colors sparks the imagination.

According to local farmers in the 19th century, the valley was believed to be a place where elves appeared at night. However, recent surveys by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) have revealed that it is home to owls and bats, which have found their ideal habitat there.

After many years, Mills Valley has gained notoriety as one of the most renowned abandoned sites in the world. It has even been recognized by newspapers as one of the top “beautiful and ghostly abandoned places” around. Unfortunately, this beloved ruin has lost its vegetation cover and parts of its architecture due to a controversial restoration effort that took place recently.