The historic little train comes straight from the 1960s and slowly crosses tracks and bridges that could easily be described as ‘vintage’. There is absolutely no need to hurry; speed is not on the agenda, but that is for the best: the spectacle that nature offers is astonishing and the slowness of the train allows you to admire it to the full.
For those who shun mass tourism and love slow destinations and sustainable means of transport, the Vigezzina Centovalli Railway is certainly perfect. And it was precisely this message of tranquillity, respect for nature, and connection with history and the land that was the focus of the celebrations for the institution’s centenary.
At the Regional Museum of the Centovalli and Pedemonte in Intragna (VB), for example, an exhibition was held that told the story of the journey from Domodossola to Locarno through the period photographs of the Swiss photographer Cavigliano Fredo Meyerhenn. The aim was also to celebrate the toil and determination of all those who helped build the line in the first decades of the twentieth century.
The theme of slow travel, rediscovering our land and our history, was also the focus of initiatives held in both Italy and Switzerland, such as themed and cultural excursions, which allowed travellers to delve into the history and culture of the valleys crossed; guided tours of local museums; walks along scenic paths; treasure hunts for the little ones; concerts; and food and wine trips to discover the authentic flavours of the villages.
After all, as stated on the institution’s website, travelling on the Vigezzina Railway does not just mean passing through the places where the tracks run, but also means “discovering the area with its attractions, its peculiarities, the experiences to be had and the events” (Chi siamo - Vigezzina Centovalli).
Crowning the end of the centenary celebrations was the publication of the book 100 anni Centovallina 1923 – 2023, written by Nicola Pini, Matteo Inches, Mattia Dellagana and Cecilia Brenni, and published in four volumes by SalvioniEdizioni. The text is a veritable encyclopaedia of the Vigezzina Railway, as it retraces its history from the inauguration to the centenary.
The Vigezzina Centovalli Railway undoubtedly represents a cultural and scenic heritage that is unique of its kind, and deserves to be preserved and enhanced. Thanks to initiatives such as those organised for its centenary, alongside the promotion of tourism, they also encourage the rediscovery of a piece of our country’s history, of almost forgotten traditions, of little-known places. They also stress the necessity and the beauty of travelling in a slow, sustainable and mindful way, encouraging love for the landscape and respect for the environment.
After all, what could be better than leaving behind the frenzy of modern society to enjoy the world passing by outside the window of a train, at a slow pace and in harmony with nature?
