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Discover The Train That Boards A Ship To Cross The Sea Between Italy And Sicily On One Of The Most Unusual Train Journeys In The World

Written by Débora Araújo
Published on 29/03/2025 at 10:32
Conheça o trem que embarca dentro de um navio para cruzar o mar entre a Itália e a Sicília em uma das viagens ferroviárias mais inusitadas do mundo
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Want To Travel On A Train That Boards Inside A Ship To Cross The Sea? Discover The Route Between The Italian Continent And The Island Of Sicily That Has Become A True Attraction For Passengers.

A unique and unusual transport experience has been attracting the attention of tourists traveling through Southern Italy. It is the train that boards inside a ship to cross the sea, specifically the Strait of Messina, between the mainland and the island of Sicily. The crossing is part of the long-distance train route that departs from major Italian urban centers, such as Milan, heading to cities in the island region.

What seems like a fictional script is, in fact, part of the daily routine of Italian rail transport. During the journey, the train is disassembled and taken inside a ship, which crosses about 3 kilometers of sea, connecting the city of Villa San Giovanni to Messina.

How The Train That Boards Inside A Ship Works

The boarding process begins with the train stopping at the Villa San Giovanni station, the last one on the mainland. The train, with about 14 carriages and a capacity of up to 400 passengers, is divided into smaller parts to fit on the ship. The task of fitting the carriages onto the ship’s internal tracks requires precision and coordination.

Giuseppe, an employee with over 20 years of experience in this operation, explains that the train that boards inside a ship can be divided into up to four sections, depending on the length of the train. The carriages are fitted backwards onto the ship, which has internal tracks adapted to receive the sections.

YouTube Video

The maritime transport lasts about 30 minutes. During the crossing, passengers can leave their carriages, go up to the deck, and enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea. Upon arriving at the port of Messina, in Sicily, the carriages are repositioned onto the land tracks and reconnected, allowing the train to continue its journey.

Safety And Structure Of The Crossing In The Strait Of Messina

Even with the additional weight of up to 300 tons per train, the ship is designed to operate with stability. According to Rosário, one of the supervisors of the crossing, the vessel is equipped with counterweight systems and hooks that ensure the secure attachment of the carriages.

The Strait of Messina is known for its strong winds and challenging geological conditions, such as the presence of an active tectonic fault. Despite several bridge projects being proposed over the decades, the train that boards inside a ship to cross the sea remains the most viable solution so far.

How The Train That Boards Inside A Ship Transformed The Tourist Experience

In addition to its functionality as a means of transport, the crossing has become a tourist attraction. Passengers report feeling like they are in a kind of “magical cave,” watching the train being loaded onto a ship. The view of the sea, the approach to the island, and the sight of Mount Etna make the experience even more memorable.

Italian teacher Pina describes the sensation as something unique. “Entering the ship with the train is like entering a magical cave that takes us to the next stop,” she stated during the report.

The final destination of the journey is Taormina, one of the most charming towns in Sicily, known for its narrow streets, refined cuisine, and privileged view of the sea and the volcano.

Technology And Railway Integration

The daily operation involves up to 17 trains that board inside a ship to cross the strait, a number that can reach 20 during the European summer. The integration between the railway and maritime systems demonstrates the efficiency of Italian infrastructure, which offers passengers a continuous transport solution, even in the face of natural barriers.

While in Brazil discussions still continue about expanding the railway network and integrating modalities, Italy shows how innovation and geographical adaptation can lead to efficient and surprising solutions, such as the train that boards inside a ship to cross the sea.

Source: Domingo Espetacular

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Débora Araújo

Débora Araújo é redatora no Click Petróleo e Gás, com mais de dois anos de experiência em produção de conteúdo e mais de mil matérias publicadas sobre tecnologia, mercado de trabalho, geopolítica, indústria, construção, curiosidades e outros temas. Seu foco é produzir conteúdos acessíveis, bem apurados e de interesse coletivo. Sugestões de pauta, correções ou mensagens podem ser enviadas para contato.deboraaraujo.news@gmail.com

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