Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy
2 minutes
An itinerary of undisputed charm, a journey through the historical, cultural and natural beauty of the magnificent territory of the Central Apennines. Traveling slowly through the hills and valleys of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, and the Majella Park with its mystical hermitages, touching some of the most beautiful ancient villages in Italy, the Railway of the Parks is the ideal itinerary for those in search of new experiences and emotions.
Considered the most scenic rail route in the boot, the Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy or Railway of the Parks will lead you through medieval villages, unspoiled nature and beautiful landscapes in motion. The railway stands out for its touristic value and for its technical characteristics: touching slopes of 28% in some parts of its path, it is considered a masterpiece of railway engineering. The ancient Sulmona-Isernia section reaches a length of about 128 km. Along the way, the carriages cross scenic bridges and viaducts and pass through 58 tunnels, the longest of which, under Mount Pagano, measures 3109 meters.
It departs from Sulmona between 8:45 and 9:00 a.m. with a same-day return trip. Depending on the season, the train stops at some destinations rather than others, know that any time of year is perfect to make this trip because the destinations are all enchanting and of equal beauty.
Campo di Giove, Palena, Rivisondoli-Pescocostanzo, Castel di Sangro, Roccaraso, are some of the places touched by the train on its journey through the Abruzzo National Park and the Majella National Park, hence the name of the Parks Railway.
Majella National Park
The train crosses a winding route of over 1,000 meters in elevation and winds through mountains and narrow gorges. There will be long stops with guided tours in the villages, hiking and biking in a natural environment rich in biodiversity. During the trip, on-board guides describe the history of the railroad and the geography of the area being crossed.
The Majella is a land of hermitages and the Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy is an excellent opportunity to have a mystical and spiritual experience: we suggest a visit to the Celestinian Hermitage of the Madonna dell'Altare, which stands at 1300 meters above sea level, on Mount Porrara with its austere stronghold surrounded by nature. To visit the hermitage, you will have to get off at the intermediate stop Palena and take the path that will take you to your destination. The path is easy and accessible to all.
Included in the list of the most beautiful villages of Italy among the stops of the Railway of the Parks is Pescocostanzo a small jewel in the mountains of Abruzzo, full of artistic treasures to see and with an architectural style somewhere between Baroque and Renaissance. If you love high altitude, remember that the Trans-Siberian Railway stops in Roccaraso! Take the chairlift and reach the highest peaks. You can ski in the winter or hike or bike in the summer.
Curiosities
Why is it called the Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy? Because in 1980, journalist and writer Luciano Zeppegno, after a train trip in Asia, in one of his articles compared the snowy landscape of the Abruzzo Highlands to that of the Siberian steppe in winter.
