Vatican Railway, International railway in Vatican City, Italy
The Vatican Railway is a short line with standard gauge tracks that links Vatican City Station to the Italian station Roma San Pietro. The roughly 300-meter route crosses the border area by viaduct connecting the two territories.
The railway was built following the 1929 Lateran Treaty and opened in 1934 under Pope Pius XI. It was created to establish transport links between Italy and Vatican City.
The railway holds religious meaning as it has carried popes and pilgrims to sacred sites over the decades. The weekly Saturday morning journeys to Castel Gandolfo connect visitors with locations tied to papal history.
Train service is limited, running on Saturday mornings to Castel Gandolfo. Plan ahead by checking schedules in advance, and allow time for border security procedures before boarding.
Two sphinx statues stand guard at the iron gates marking the border crossing, opening and closing for each train. This symbolic entrance adds to the ceremonial feel of the journey.
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