Now that's a hidden past-a: Inside the abandoned, overgrown mills in a deep gorge that once fed Italy's booming food industry

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If you happen to traipse into these woods in Italy, you're in for a big surprise.

The Valle dei Mulini, or 'Valley of Mills', in Sorrento is home to a beautifully haunting menagerie of abandoned mills, which were once part of the area's pasta production industry.

Emerging from the undergrowth, the ruined buildings - which date as far back as the 13th century - can be seen as you enter the deep gorge. 

Times gone by: The Valle dei Mulini, or 'Valley of Mills', in Sorrento, Italy, is home to a beautifully haunting menagerie of mills

View from above: Emerging from the undergrowth, the ruined buildings - which date as far back as the 13th century - can be seen as you enter the deep gorge

Photographs captured by visitors show the old workhouses in a state of disrepair, with the brickwork interspersed with lush plant life.  

The tumbledown factories include a flour mill and sawmill, which remained active until the early 20th century.

They were powered by water from fast-flowing streams flowing through the vale.

Due to the difficult-to-access location and new sources of energy, the Valley of Mills was left deserted. There were around 25 mills that were active over the years.

Today the industrial site is barely visible with a bushy blanket coating the structures. 

While industry has vanished, the spot remains a popular spot with hikers. Along with a spectacular insight into times gone by, a trek to the Valley of Mills also provides sweeping views of the Almalfi Coast.

Times gone by: Photographs captured by visitors show the old workhouses in a state of disrepair, with the brickwork interspersed with lush plant life

Empty: Due to the difficult-to-access location and new sources of energy, the Valley of Mills was left deserted - there were around 25 mills in total that were active over the years

Tourist attraction: While industry has vanished, the spot remains a popular spot with hikers