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Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa: A Journey Through Italian Railway History

Explore Italy's rich railway history at the Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa, a captivating museum with stunning views of the Gulf of Naples.

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The Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa, located in Naples, is a captivating museum showcasing the history of Italian railways from 1839 to the present. Housed in the former Royal Mechanical, Pyrotechnic and Locomotive Factory, it features a vast collection of locomotives, carriages, and railway memorabilia within a scenic setting between Vesuvius and the sea.

A brief summary to Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa

  • Tuesday 10 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-10 pm
  • Friday 5 pm-10 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive by train for an immersive experience; the Pietrarsa Express departs from Naples Central Station.
  • Visit the Caffè Bayard for a break with sea views, offering coffee and local specialties.
  • Check the museum's website for special events, including theatrical performances and Christmas markets.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Naples city center (Piazza Garibaldi), take the Line 2 train towards Salerno/Torre Annunziata and disembark at Pietrarsa-San Giorgio a Cremano station. The museum is a short walk from the station. A single ticket costs approximately €1-4. Note that from July 15 to September 3, 2025, the Naples-Salerno line will have service interruptions; a replacement bus service will operate from Napoli San Giovanni – Barra station to Corso San Giovanni a Teduccio, near the museum.

  • Car

    From the A3 Napoli-Salerno motorway, take the S. Giorgio a Cremano exit. Follow signs for Via Pietrarsa. Pietrarsa Parking, a secure parking facility, is available 30 meters from the museum entrance. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €2-3 per hour.

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Discover more about Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa

The Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa offers a fascinating journey through the history of Italian railways, set against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Naples. The museum is located in the former Royal Mechanical, Pyrotechnic and Locomotive Factory, founded in 1840 by Ferdinand II of Bourbon. This factory was established to ensure the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was independent from English and French technological dominance and was built on the site of Italy's first railway line, the Naples-Portici line, which opened in 1839. Pietrarsa is considered Italy's first industrial center and remained active until the 1970s. The rise of electric and diesel locomotives led to the decline of steam engines and the factory. In 1977, the workshops were converted into a railway museum, opening in 1989 after renovations. Further restoration between 2014 and 2017 transformed the museum into a prestigious site, restoring the 19th-century pavilions and enhancing outdoor spaces with a Mediterranean garden and a glass parapet offering views of the Gulf of Naples. The museum spans 36,000 square meters, with 14,000 square meters indoors. The collection includes a reproduction of the Bayard, the inaugural train of the Naples-Portici line; Carriage 10 of the Royal train built for the wedding of Umberto II of Savoy; and various steam, diesel, and electric locomotives. Interactive exhibits, including virtual reality systems and a driving simulator, provide engaging experiences. The museum also serves as a venue for events and conferences, with spaces available for rent.

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