Journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy

The first time I heard about the Transiberiana d’Italia, I closed my eyes and imagined an old-world train winding its way through the mountains, surrounded by snowy landscapes and deep silence. I pictured vintage carriages, enchanted scenery, and a slow, almost forgotten rhythm. I wasn’t wrong. That dream became reality on a winter journey I shared with my partner, along one of Italy’s most poetic and evocative railway routes.

We boarded a historic locomotive that took us across the central Apennines, where the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park meets the Maiella National Park, through solitary valleys, snow-capped ridges, and villages seemingly suspended in time. It was more than just a physical route — it was an inner journey too: an invitation to slow down, to listen, to wonder. Our adventure began in Sulmona, a city with a special winter charm — its elegant streets, its world-famous confetti (sugar-coated almonds), and the snow-covered mountains embracing it on all sides. The first light of day lit up the frosted rooftops as the train, gently puffing steam, left the station and headed toward the heights of the Conca Peligna. We were immediately immersed in a bygone atmosphere: the slow clatter along the rails, the whistle of the locomotive, the rhythmic sound of metal on track... Everything felt paced by a more human, more authentic time. Tunnel after tunnel, bridge after bridge, the landscape grew ever more spectacular: enchanted snow-covered forests, daring viaducts suspended in the void, solitary pastures dotted with tiny homes, and small villages suddenly appearing around bends, like something out of a fairy tale. It was impossible to look away from the window. When we arrived in Castel di Sangro, we found ourselves in a Christmas atmosphere straight out of a vintage postcard. The town squares buzzed with live music, artisanal markets, the scent of wood smoke — and to our delight, hot vin brulé. In a cozy restaurant in the town center, we indulged in the authentic flavors of the local cuisine: spiced cured meats, rustic soups, handmade pasta. Step by step, we wandered through the narrow streets of Civita, the oldest part of town, until we reached the Patiniana Art Gallery. There, surrounded by the intense works of Teofilo Patini, we were transported back in time, into the lives, hardships, and quiet dignity of the mountain folk. A moving, intimate place that leaves a lasting impression. In the afternoon, the train took us onward to Campo di Giove, another gem nestled among snow-covered peaks. Here too, the festive atmosphere was palpable: with wandering musicians, food stalls, and carefully decorated wooden huts, it felt like stepping into a northern European Christmas village — but with the warm, heartfelt soul of Abruzzo. We sipped gentian-infused herbal teas, tasted ricotta desserts and piping hot soups, while the lights slowly turned on, transforming the village into a living nativity scene. Returning to Sulmona at twilight, gently rocked by the rhythmic sway of the train, felt like the sweet closing scene of a poetic film. Outside, snow began to fall lightly; inside, our eyes were still full of beauty, our hearts lighter.

This so-called Railway of the Parks is not just a historic route: it’s a journey through memory, nature, and emotion. It’s an authentic experience that speaks of slowness, silent beauty, and rediscovered connections. For those longing to return to a way of traveling made of listening, encounters, and wonder, the Transiberiana d’Italia is much more than a train — it’s a small, magnificent miracle on rails.