Having returned enthusiastically from our visit to the Paper Museum in Mele and being in the vicinity of the Frasassi Caves in the Marche region, we decided to plan a visit to the Paper and Watermark Museum in Fabriano as well.
Fabriano was the first European city to produce paper, and its museum, housed in the complex of the former convent of San Domenico, tells the story of the city’s 700-year-old papermaking tradition.
A visit to the museum is interesting for both adults and children. It lasts just under an hour and the guide was able to engage and enthuse all the children present so, in my opinion, it is well worth a visit if you are in the area.
Visit to the Fabriano Paper Museum with children: what to see
During the visit to the Fabriano Paper Museum, the friendly guide explains how paper was once made, with the stages of processing and the use of machinery of the time.
As we had already seen at the Paper Museum in Mele, the Master Papermaker with slow, expert gestures mixes water and cotton fibers in a large vat, and the resulting pulp is then sifted and pressed. The result is a primitive sheet that must then be spread out to dry.
Moving from room to room in the museum, one delves into the history of this material that, despite the advance of the digital age, retains a special and timeless appeal.
The Paper Museum preserves the memory of a craft tradition that it is important to know and pass on to future generations.
But that’s not all, inside the museum children can watch the machinery in operation and produce a sheet of paper themselves thanks to the “We are all Master Papermakers” workshop.
Information for visiting the Fabriano Paper and Watermark Museum
❖ Entrance fees
The visit to the Paper Museum is guided and lasts just under an hour. The ticket price is 10.00€ full, 5.00€ reduced (6-18 years old), free under 6 years old, disabled and residents of the municipality of Fabriano.
❖ How to book
Reservations must be made on the official website by filling out the form, and payment is made directly at the ticket office before the visit. Place cannot be reserved by phone.
❖ How to book the “We are all Master Papermakers” workshop
The workshop to make your own sheet of paper to take home as a souvenir must also be booked online or at the ticket office before starting the visit. It costs €5.00 and lasts 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of participants.
Only children at least 5 years old can participate.
For all information and to check the opening hours, which change depending on the period, I refer you to the museum’s official website.
What to do near the Fabriano Paper Museum
In front of the Fabriano Paper and Watermark Museum is a beautiful park with many games for children. The town of Fabriano, with its medieval historic center, is also worth a visit.
Where to sleep in Fabriano
La Castellaia Resort – Small paradise located in Fabriano. Swimming pool, great breakfast included, restaurant, and to keep the kids happy, lots of animals running around the property! Book here.
What to see near Fabriano
About 20 minutes from Fabriano are the majestic Frasassi Caves, a visit to which takes half a day.
In just under an hour, however, you can reach Perugia and also Assisi.
In Perugia, if you are traveling with children, don’t miss the Città della Domenica, a wildlife amusement park, as well as a stay at the Chocohotel and its mouth-watering breakfast, obviously chocolate-based.
In Assisi, on the other hand, in addition to the historic center, you can plan a visit to the Eremo delle Carceri, the place where St. Francis retired to pray, and the Lavandeto where you can watch the lavender bloom.
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