Pelion Railway (Ano Lechonia to Milies)
Thessalía
The Pelion Railway is a historic narrow-gauge railway line located in the Thessaly region of Greece, running from Ano Lechonia to the traditional village of Milies. Originally constructed in the late 19th century by Thessaly Railways under the design of Italian engineer Evaristo de Chirico, the line was built to navigate the mountainous terrain of the Pelion Peninsula with a 600 mm narrow gauge. It extends over approximately 16 kilometers, offering passengers breathtaking views of verdant landscapes, arched stone bridges, tunnels, and the Pagasetic Gulf. The railway is renowned for its heritage status and operates as a tourist attraction using diesel traction since 1999, after initially running steam locomotives. The route highlights the rich cultural and natural beauty of the region, passing through areas of dense vegetation and historic villages. Milies itself is a traditional settlement known for its unique architecture, historical significance during the Greek War of Independence, and landmarks such as the School of Milies and the church of Panmegiston Taxiarchon. The railway journey is celebrated as one of Europe's most picturesque train rides, combining engineering heritage with the stunning Pelion environment.
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Consiglio: The best time to visit the Pelion Railway is from April to October when the heritage train operates regularly. It is advisable to book tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to ensure availability. Visitors should prepare for a leisurely journey through mountainous terrain and bring comfortable clothing and cameras to capture the scenic views. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, or children, so inquire when purchasing tickets. Note that the connection between Volos and Ano Lechonia is currently not operational, so access starts from Ano Lechonia station.
Fatti interessanti
- •The Pelion Railway was designed by Evaristo de Chirico, father of the famous surrealist painter Giorgio de Chirico.
- •The railway features a unique 600 mm narrow gauge, chosen to navigate the mountainous terrain of the Pelion Peninsula.
- •Parts of the railway route include arched stone bridges and tunnels that are considered engineering landmarks.
- •The railway was declared a protected historic monument in 1985 due to its cultural and historical importance.
- •Milies village, the railway's terminus, is known for its traditional architecture and was a center of the Greek War of Independence in 1821.
Storia
The Pelion Railway was constructed in stages between 1892 and 1903, designed by Evaristo de Chirico to connect Volos with the communities of the Pelion Peninsula.
It was originally part of the Thessaly Railways network and featured a unique narrow gauge to accommodate the challenging mountainous landscape.
The line reached Milies in 1903 and operated as a key transport route for the region.
After Thessaly Railways was absorbed into the Hellenic State Railways in 1955, the railway saw changes including the conversion of adjacent lines to standard gauge.
The Pelion narrow-gauge section was preserved as a heritage railway, reopening in 1996 after repairs, initially using steam locomotives before switching to diesel traction in 1999.
The railway was declared a protected historic monument in 1985, recognizing its cultural and engineering significance.
Guida del luogo
Ano Lechonia Station1884
Starting point of the heritage Pelion Railway line, featuring historic station buildings designed by Evaristo de Chirico. The station serves as the gateway to the scenic train journey through Pelion.
Railway Route through Pelion1892-1903
The 16-kilometer narrow-gauge railway line passes through lush vegetation, offering views of the Pagasetic Gulf, arched stone bridges, tunnels, and an iron bridge designed by de Chirico. The route showcases the natural beauty and engineering heritage of the region.
Milies Village and Station
The terminus of the Pelion Railway, Milies is a traditional village known for its distinctive architecture, the historic School of Milies, and the church of Panmegiston Taxiarchon. The village played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence and retains a rich cultural heritage.