The Montenero Funicular RailwayThis year, 2008, the Funicular Railway in Montenero, Livorno, is celebrating its 100th birthday.

It was inaugurated on 19th August 1908 and was the first electric railway of its kind in Italy. Until 1963, it represented the main means of transport for Montenero, until the building of the panoramic road leading directly to the Sanctuary.

There are two trains running up and down the 656m track, each one capable of carrying 40 passengers. They can transport up to 580 people per hour.

One of the most interesting and innovative aspects of Montenero's funicular railway is that it runs on solar power, the panels having been installed in 2000.

To see more (much better!) photos of the Montenero funicular railway, taken by the photographic association Il Salmastro for the 100th anniversary, click here