by InTrieste
A journey through time is awaiting travelers this September. The region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is set to unveil its historic trains for a series of immersive voyages, transporting passengers to some of the country’s most charming and undiscovered villages. These train rides, operating aboard restored 1930s carriages, will not only showcase the scenic beauty of the Dolomites and beyond but will also offer a glimpse into Italy’s rich cultural and literary heritage.
The historic “Centoporte” trains, known for their meticulously preserved wooden interiors and vintage carriages, will run until December, offering a rare opportunity to experience travel as it was nearly a century ago. Each journey offers a narrative thread connecting Italy’s architectural splendor, culinary traditions, and literary history.
On Sunday, September 1, the first of these journeys departs from Sacile, a small town nestled at the foot of the Dolomites. The train will weave its way through some of Italy’s most beautiful villages, including Polcenigo, Poffabro, and Toppo. Polcenigo’s renowned Thèst festival, celebrating the ancient art of basket weaving, will greet travelers upon arrival, while Poffabro and Toppo, both steeped in medieval charm, offer quiet streets and ancient fortresses as backdrops for contemplation.
A week later, on September 8, passengers will embark on a literary journey tracing the footsteps of Pier Paolo Pasolini, the renowned Italian filmmaker and poet. Departing from Udine, this journey will culminate in Casarsa della Delizia, Pasolini’s childhood home. Along the way, travelers will stop in San Vito al Tagliamento and Cordovado for guided tours, where Pasolini’s poetry and life will be woven into the narrative of these timeless towns.
But perhaps the most anticipated event is scheduled for September 21, when the historic train dedicated to pordenonelegge—Italy’s premier literary festival—will set off. Two trains, one from Treviso and the other from Trieste, will converge in Pordenone, where thousands of bibliophiles gather each year for the annual celebration of books. Travelers will have the opportunity to meet authors, participate in literary events, and immerse themselves in a festival that has grown to become one of Italy’s most significant cultural happenings.
The revival of these historic trains is part of a broader initiative to promote sustainable tourism in Friuli Venezia Giulia, which has become increasingly important as Italy grapples with over-tourism in its more famous destinations. In collaboration with the FS Foundation and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, PromoTurismoFVG has meticulously planned these journeys to offer a slower, more thoughtful approach to travel. Each trip combines local culture, history, and gastronomy, offering passengers experiences that go beyond the typical tourist itinerary.
Despite their vintage allure, travelers should not expect the modern comforts found on today’s trains. There is no air conditioning or heating, and seating cannot be reserved in advance. Yet, the inconveniences are minor compared to the charm of these well-preserved carriages, where every creak of wood and whistle of steam evokes a bygone era.
Tickets are offered at accessible prices: €5 for a one-way ticket on electric or diesel trains, and €15 for a round-trip on steam trains. Children under 12 receive discounted fares, while those under 4 travel for free. These fares provide access to a unique experience in Italian travel history—one that includes not just the ride but also free guided tours, small tastings of local cuisine, and the opportunity to bring bicycles aboard for further exploration.
For many, the highlight of these journeys is not merely the destination, but the journey itself: a slow passage through Italy’s landscapes, where every stop offers a new story, and every village presents a chance to step back in time.
As travel becomes increasingly frenetic, these historic train journeys offer an antidote: a return to simplicity, to the pleasure of watching the world unfold at a leisurely pace.
For more information on these journeys and to purchase tickets, travelers can visit www.turismofvg.it/it/treni-storici, or consult local Infopoints in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
