Travel in Time With Historic Trains, Culture in Sicily

After the remarkable success of the previous editions, for the sixth consecutive year Sicily is gearing up to act as the backdrop for a journey into history and culture, thanks to the historic trains of the Fondazione FS Italiane, which will once again be plying the region’s tracks.

Promoted by the Regional Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainment in cooperation with the Fondazione FS and FS Treni Turistici Italiani, the 2024 edition of this program promises to be even richer and more immersive, with no fewer than 33 thematic journeys along the island’s most fascinating railway lines scheduled from 14 September to 8 December.

The aim is to deseasonalize tourist flows, promoting a deeper knowledge of Sicily with itineraries that take in picturesque villages, archaeological parks, and art centers. The legendary ‘terrazzini’ carriages of the 1930s, which marked an era, have been brought back to Sicily to thrill travelers with a journey back in time.

The addition of a baggage car equipped with racks for transporting 50 bicycles will allow keen cyclists to combine the pleasure of traveling with active exploration of their surroundings. The destinations selected embrace a vast heritage of culture and landscape. Agrigento with its Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, will be the star of a special anniversary celebrating 150 years since the inauguration of the Palermo-Porto Empedocle railway that connects it. The final stretch of this railway, from Agrigento Bassa to Tempio di Vulcano and Porto Empedocle, coincides with the Templi Railway, a tourist line included in the ‘Binari senza tempo’ (Timeless Tracks) project.

Caltagirone, famous for its traditional ceramics, will offer visitors a unique experience. Siracusa and its enchanting historic island of Ortigia will offer a trip back into Greek and Roman history, while Modica will not only delight visitors with its Baroque architecture but also entice them with its annual Chocolate Festival, an event that attracts foodies from all over the world. Collaboration with the Circumetnea Railway will also allow visitors to explore the Sicilian hinterland, reaching places such as Bronte, famous for its pistachios.

Rise of travelers on Sicilian historic trains

Since 2018, historic trains have welcomed more than 20,000 tourists, 7,400 in 2023 alone, demonstrating a growing interest in these cultural and tourist initiatives that combine the charm of rail travel with the discovery of hidden treasures and unique landscapes. The data show a 12% increase in tourist presences in Sicily in September-December 2023, with an even greater rise of 21percent among foreign visitors, emphasizing just how effective these initiatives are in promoting deseasonalization. Tickets for this experience are available from all Trenitalia sales channels or can be purchased directly on board, subject to availability.

The history of the Sicilian railways

After the success of the previous editions of the historic trains in Sicily, the 2024 edition sees the addition of new ideas that, in addition to promoting the beauty of this island, also provide a glimpse of its railway past. Construction of the first railway in Sicily dates back to 1863, with the inauguration of the Palermo-Bagheria line, marking the beginning of a new era for transport on this island. In the late 1940s, another huge revolution came about with the introduction of the first electric lines such as the Palermo-Messina and the Catania-Siracusa. This transformation saw Sicily benefit from faster and more efficient connections, contributing to its economic and social growth. Today, historic trains are bringing these moments back to life, giving passengers a chance to travel the same routes that, decades ago, were the main players in the modernization of the island.