Catanzaro funicular, Funicular in Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy

The Catanzaro funicular runs 678.37 metres on a mixed single and double track from Piazza Roma down to Catanzaro Sala, with an intermediate stop at Piano Casa. Two cars of 70+1 places each counterbalance on a 950 mm gauge, descending 158.23 metres at gradients up to 26.98%. The haul rope is 28 mm in diameter.

The present line opened on 4 October 1998, rebuilding the funicular section of the Automotofunicolare di Catanzaro, a hybrid electric tramway and funicular that ran from 1910 until a cable failure closed it in October 1954. The city approved the restoration in 1992, funded with 18 billion lire from the Calabria region under president Rosario Olivo, and gave the works to a French firm. Ferrovie della Calabria ran it until July 2015; AMC took over on 18 May 2016.

The line's name and role tie back to the Automotofunicolare, the hybrid tram and funicular that ran from 1910 to 1954; today's cars follow its old trackbed and tunnel. In May 2018 the carriages were restyled for the centenary of Catanzaro-born artist Mimmo Rotella, known for his décollage works.

The ride is short and can get crowded during rush hours, so visiting outside peak times is worth considering. Keep in mind the terrain is steep and there are stairs from both the top and bottom that lead to the stations.

The line runs on a mixed rack-free track: two cars of 70+1 passengers each counterbalance on a single rail, passing at a double-track section before the tunnel. The haul rope is 28 mm thick, the counterweight rope 25 mm, and the lower station holds a 10,600 kg ballast weight.