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Welcome to the Sassari-Tempio-Palau railway line!
Hello everyone! Today we'll be talking about the Sassari-Tempio-Palau railway line, a unique structure perfect for nature and culture enthusiasts. This narrow-gauge line is now exclusively used for tourism under the management of the Trenino Verde railway company. Are you ready to learn more about its history and highlights?
History of the Sassari-Tempio-Palau railway line
Construction of this railway was initiated in 1920 by the Ferrovie Settentrionali Sarde, who had obtained a government concession to expand the narrow-gauge railway network in northern Sardinia. Engineer Diego Murgia designed the project, which aimed to connect Sassari with Tempio Pausania and Palau, an important port for connections to La Maddalena. The stretch connecting Tempio with Luras was already in use by the Ferrovie Complementari della Sardegna, which rationalized the construction of both sections.
In 1931, the first 91 kilometers were inaugurated, while the stretch connecting Luras and the port of Palau completed the line in January 1932. The infrastructure cost 123,078,083 Italian lire at the time, and was the second-to-last narrow-gauge line to be inaugurated in Sardinia.
In 1933, management of the section between Tempio and Luras passed to the Strade Ferrate Pugliesi, which soon became the Strade Ferrate Sarde and acquired the majority of Ferrovie Complementari della Sardegna. In 1939, the tracks on the stretch between Tempio and Luras were replaced to match the rail type used on the rest of the Sassari-Palau line.
Replacement of the steam locomotive with the diesel locomotive
In 1959, the Sassari-Tempio-Palau railway line replaced the steam locomotive with the diesel locomotive. The new technology provided quieter traction, reduced air pollution and guaranteed lower maintenance costs. However, the original capacity of the line was reduced due to the new type of locomotive.
From public transport service to tourism
In 1997, much of the Sassari-Tempio-Palau railway line was designated solely for tourism activities, replacing public transport services. Since 2015, the entire line has been used exclusively for tourism by the Trenino Verde company.
A unique tourist railway in Sardinia
Today, the Sassari-Tempio-Palau railway line is one of the main tourist attractions in Sardinia, offering visitors the opportunity to admire the beautiful landscapes of Gallura, the eastern coast of Sardinia, and the wonders of the port of Palau. The Trenino Verde railway line offers a wide range of services, including personalized itineraries, the ability to book tickets online, and complete tourist packages.
Conclusion
The Sassari-Tempio-Palau railway line represents a unique experience in Sardinia, ideal for those who love nature, history, and tourism. Its history is characterized by highlights such as the replacement of the steam locomotive with the diesel locomotive and the designation for tourism activities only. But today, thanks to the Trenino Verde company, everyone can experience the adventure and discover the beauties of Sardinia in an original and suggestive way, aboard a historic train immersed in nature.
