A journey from the past to Govone
By historic train along a route dedicated to themed entertainment and tastings of typical products
For the 13th edition of the Magico Paese di Natale, a historic train organised thanks to an agreement between the Fondazione Ferrovie dello Stato and the Piedmont Region, will depart from Milan on 22 December destined for Castagnole delle Lanze, where a shuttle bus will accompany visitors directly to the Christmas village of Govone.
Aboard the Carrozze Centoporte (carriages operating from the 1920s to 1980s) hauled by a vintage diesel locomotive, passengers will be delighted by Christmas-themed entertainment and shall receive a breakfast of local treats. Upon reaching Govone, there will be the opportunity to explore the market hosting 110 handicrafts exhibitors from all over Italy, with time to visit the exhibition dedicated to the “Adeste Fideles” Nativity Scene and watch the theatrical events organised for the Christmas event.
1930s Centoporte carriages
Developed in 1930 as third-class carriages for commuter traffic, they were nicknamed “Centoporte” (a hundred doors) due to the numerous openings on each side to facilitate the boarding of passengers. Very basic, being divided into four seating areas with wooden seats and steam heating, they were in operation throughout all areas covered by the network until the early-1980s. During the Second World War, some were transformed into stretcher carriages to transport the wounded.