Treno di Dante: historic train tour from Florence to Ravenna for 700th anniversary

To mark the 700th anniversary of Dante Alighieri's death, the Emilia-Romagna region has launched the Treno di Dante, a historic train service running from Florence to Ravenna throughout summer 2021. The project, backed by a €420,000 investment, uses a vintage train provided by Ferrovie dello Stato. It will operate every Saturday and Sunday from June 26 to October 10, totaling 28 days. The route includes stops at Borgo San Lorenzo, Marradi (Tuscany), Brisighella, and Faenza (Romagna), allowing passengers to explore the literary park Le Terre di Dante. The inaugural symbolic journey on June 6 features conductor Riccardo Muti, who will lead the Orchestra Luigi Cherubini at the reopening of the Teatro Accademico degli Animosi in Marradi. Regional tourism assessor Andrea Corsini stated the train offers a unique travel experience, promoting slow tourism and boosting local economies along the Apennine route. The train departs from Florence (Dante's birthplace in 1265) and ends in Ravenna, where Dante completed the Divine Comedy and died in 1321. Intermediate points include Vaglia, Ronta, Scarperia, San Piero a Sieve, Vicchio (birthplace of Giotto and Beato Angelico), Crespino del Lamone, and Marradi (birthplace of poet Dino Campana). Brisighella is cited among Italy's most beautiful villages.