The
steam train of Pelion, "Moutzouris-Smudgy" was of huge importance to the development
and history of Pelion as well as Magnesia itself. The steam train was the
project of Evaristo de Kirico, an Italian engineer, whose father was the famous
artist Giorgio de Kirico. Evaristo was the mastermind behind the train's development, and it was his combination of knowledge and imagination, which brought this project to life.
Work of the railway began late in 1894, and it was in 1895 that the first section of the railway was completed. This first section joined the city of Volos to the village of Lehonia.
By 1903, the railway line had been extended to the village of Milies, covering a total of 29km.
Also completed during this time were the bridges over which the train would cross. In total, 6 bridges were constructed, 5 of them being stone bridges with arches, and the 6th bridge being made of iron.
The final outcome of this project was literally a masterpiece. The bridges, the rail track and the train itself were all inspired works, and blended in perfectly with the surrounding environment.
The train of Pelion was in operation up until 1971, and was used to transport goods around the region, as well as people who used it for travelling and short day trips. However, with the increase in use of the motorcar, the train became too expensive to continue operating, and was sadly abandoned.
Today however, the train of Pelion is back in operation, and continues to provide passengers with a journey that they will always remember. Passing through numerable scenes of natural beauty and over the impressive bridges, taking a ride on the train is an unforgettable experience.
The train currently departs from Ano Lehonia, which is one of the villages that neighbours with Kala Nera, and arrives at Milies after passing through other villages such as Pinakates, Ano Gatzea and others.
