by InTrieste
The vintage Centoporte trains—so named for their “hundred doors”—will once again travel through Friuli Venezia Giulia this October, offering passengers a nostalgic journey through some of the region’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations. The autumn schedule includes three themed excursions aboard restored 1930s carriages, combining local food traditions, history, and natural beauty.
The initiative, part of an ongoing collaboration between the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Italian State Railways’ Treni Turistici Italiani, aims to promote sustainable tourism while showcasing the region’s heritage. Over the course of 2025, forty such historic train journeys are planned through December 8, each designed to connect visitors with small towns and seasonal festivals via the rail network.
A Taste of Autumn
The first journey, Sapori d’Autunno (“Flavors of Autumn”), departs from Treviso on October 5 and heads to Cavasso Nuovo, home to the Festa d’Autunno—now in its 11th year. The celebration highlights two local Slow Food products: the Cipolla Rossa di Cavasso Nuovo e della Val Cosa (Red Onion) and the pumpkin, featured in dishes prepared by local producers and chefs. Visitors can explore food stalls, craft displays, art exhibitions, and live music throughout the village streets.
On the same day, a special non-historic train from Trieste to Resiutta will serve the Festa dell’Agricoltura (Agriculture Festival), an event dedicated to regional farming and craftsmanship. Travelers can sample preserves, fresh produce, and seasonal fruits while also joining a guided visit to the Resartico Mining Museum and the Ghiacciaia Gallery, organized by the Julian Prealps Nature Park.
The Fair of San Simone
Two weeks later, on October 19, another electric locomotive from Treviso will bring visitors to Codroipo for the Fiera di San Simone, a long-standing fair celebrating local flavors and craftsmanship. Passengers on the Fiera di San Simone train can explore Codroipo’s historic heritage, including the Museum of Vintage Carriages in San Martino and the nearby Villa Manin in Passariano. Excursions include a guided walking tour and an optional bicycle route through the area’s rural landscapes, coordinated by the local cycling association Fiab Mediofriuli.
Rediscovering Venzone
The month’s final trip, on October 26, departs from Trieste toward Venzone, a walled medieval town painstakingly rebuilt after the 1976 earthquake. The excursion includes a guided visit through the restored streets and monuments, with particular attention to the 14th-century Romanesque-Gothic cathedral—considered a symbol of Friuli’s post-earthquake resilience.
Fares and Practical Information
Tickets for the historic trains are offered at a flat promotional rate: €10 round trip for adults and €5 for children aged 4 to 12. Journeys operated by steam locomotive cost €15 for adults and €7.50 for children, while children under 4 travel free. One-way tickets are also available, but seats cannot be reserved. Tickets can be purchased online at trenitalia.com, at railway ticket counters, and through authorized travel agencies starting two weeks before each departure. Each train accommodates up to 250 passengers.
Riding Through Time
Though carefully restored, the vintage trains retain their historic character—meaning limited modern comforts such as air conditioning or central heating. Passengers are advised to dress for the season and may bring bicycles, subject to limited space. Onboard staff from PromoTurismoFVG provide information about the day’s itinerary and distribute digital feedback forms to monitor service quality.
The historic train program, now a staple of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s tourism calendar, blends nostalgia with discovery. By connecting travelers to regional festivals, cultural landmarks, and rural communities, it continues to offer an evocative way to explore northeastern Italy—one station at a time.
For schedules and more information, visit turismofvg.it/treni-storici
