Steam locomotives, century-old wagons, Presidential Train and the legendary ETR252 “Arlequin”. These are just some of the treasures on display in the treasure chest. Historic rolling stock workshops depot in Milanwhich exceptionally opens its doors to the public, in the company of the Royal Hall of the Central Station.
To come back, Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6the open day promoted by FS Foundation. An opportunity not to be missed for all railway and train travel enthusiasts, who will be able to enter (free of charge) the pavilions where FS Group workers carry out, today as yesterday, the maintenance of cars and locomotives centenarians.
What to see in the historic rolling stock workshop in Milan
The Milan workshops were inaugurated in 1931 and had tools and machines absolutely at the cutting edge of the time. Here in viale Monza, 113the historic rolling stock, heritage of the FS Foundation, is still maintained today. For the occasion, you will be able to board real railway gems, such as the wagons of Presidential train. And for a nostalgic dive into collective memory, you can visit theETR252the unforgettable “Harlequin” and relive the vintage atmospheres on the characteristic “night” cars of the past.
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It will also be interesting to observe how the rolling stock is moved, thanks to the lifting systems, essential for lifting the wagons and locomotives and allowing technicians to work on the bogies and lower parts. But the greatest spectacle – especially for children – will be the breath of steam from the locomotives: those still in perfect working order of the Group 835.
And to rest, a seated lunch in the luxurious dining cars (reservation required). To then say goodbye to the wagons and locomotives, at the end of the visit, by doing some shopping for gadgets and souvenirs in the convenience stores of the FS Foundation and the DUEGI Editrice, specializing in railway publications.
The Royal Salon of Milan Central Station
Not far from there, another temple where true rail fans absolutely must stop: the Royal Hall of Milan Central Stationwhich overlooks the platform 21formerly reserved for the Royal Train stop, now the Presidential Train. Just along the slopes you can admire the majolica paintings, the work of the painter Basilio Cascella, which overlook the three doors of the waiting room.
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This is part of the upper floor of the Royal Paviliondesigned by architect Ulysse Stacchini in 1931. On the ground floor there is the Weapons roomwith access from Piazza Luigi di Savoia. A complex worth a visit, a secret gem within which, with its monumental facade 200 meters wide and Car galleryis considered one of the most beautiful stations in Europe.
How to book the visit: all the information
Entrance is free, both to the Depot of the Historic Rolling Stock Workshops and to the Royal Hall of Milan Central Station. Access is planned from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6 but reservation required on the railbook.it website
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The historic rolling stock workshop depot in viale Monza will be connected to the SCentral station and with Milan Lambrate thanks to a historic bus service (free), in collaboration with the association Historic bus.
The open day is organized by the FS Ferrovie Turitiche Italiane Foundation in collaboration with the Associazione Rotabili Storici Milano Smistamento and ALe883.
For more information, fondazionefs.it; email to info@fondazionefs.it
