Solar Powered Funicular Railway in Tuscany Celebrates 100 Years

The funicular (or cable) railway between the city of Livorno on Tuscany's coast (see Tuscany map) and the Sanctuary of Montenero 100 meters above Livorno was inaugurated 100 years ago on August 19, 1908. It was the first electric railway of this type in Italy and has been run by solar power since 2000 when solar panels were installed, according to Livorno Now. You can see a dramatic photo of the funicular running up the hill and read more information on Italy Magazine.

The Church of the Holy Virgin of Montenero is dedicated to Mary of Montenero, Patron of Tuscany, and is a popular pilgrimage destination. Montenero was once a popular holiday spot for artists and poets including Byron and Shelley. They were staying in San Terenzo, on the coast north of Livorno, when Shelley had has fatal boating accident. The picturesque bay has since become known as the Gulf of Poets.