As it rolls across Italy’s central regions, a vintage diesel locomotive towing carriages from the 1930s and 1950s crosses the forests of the Majella National park and the Abruzzo highlands, brushing by antique hamlets and hidden hermitages.
Across its just over 100 kilometres, the so-called Italian Transiberian rail line, also known as the Park Railway, slips into gorges, sneaks into 58 tunnels and braves massive viaducts.
One of the most panoramic rail itineraries of the country, it is the first of some 1,000 kilometres to have re-opened under a project by Fondazione FS, the part of state-controlled national rail company Ferrovie dello Stato (FS) that looks after and manages the group’s heritage.
Inspired by train travel in Switzerland, the project now carries 45,000 tourists a year across its 13 lines. Fondazione FS expects to open two new ones by 2026, both in the southern region of Sicily.
At a time of mass tourism – with estimates by travel app Unexpected Italy showing that 70% of tourists in Italy concentrate on merely 1% of the country- the projects offers slow, affordable yet niche travel.
“The train reminds me of my youth,” Caterina Quaranta said while sitting on one of the train’s wooden seats.
The trips attract Italians and foreigners, a lot of families and children, younger people who get off to hike and cycle and older people “who have time to spare”, explains Laura Colaprete, a local guide for those travelling on the trains.
After climbing almost 1,000 metres in altitude, the Transiberian’s first stop is in Palena, a medieval hill-top town known for its breathtaking views over the national park.
Traditional folk music accompanies people getting off the carriages, with local delicacies such as lamb skewers and soft pancakes made with an iron mold, known as pizzelle, and products by local artisans awaiting them at the station.
(Reuters)