The little train of Pelion
“Moutzouris” (smudgy), a common Greek nickname for steam trains because of the black smoke they left behind, is a tourist attraction of the villages of Pelion.
The beautiful 15km long route, lasting 90 minutes, starts from Ano Lechonia and ends at Milies, with an intermediate stop of 15 minutes in Ano Gatzea on both directions (Ano Lechonia-Milies, Milies-Ano Lechonia).
The railway route was a major factor in the further development of the villages of Pelion, built in two stages, between 1894 and 1903. After the interruption in 1971-1996, the train of Pelion continues to cross one of the narrowest railway lines in the world (60 centimeters). The route is full of pictures of rich nature and architecture. On the one hand, slopes with dense forests of plane trees, olives and pine trees, and on the other hand, the Aegean Sea, old architectural landmarks of carved stone and gray limestone, arched bridges, arches and tunnel-entries.
An exquisite sample, is the five-arched stone bridge of Kalorema, in Malakion, while unique is the crossing of the steel bridge of Taxiarchis or De Chirico. Milies Station is the end of the route. There begins the picturesque cobbled path that leads to the center of the village.
History
The historic train used to connect Volos with Milies. The railway started to be built in 1892 and was delivered in 1896 when the first part of the route Volos-Ano Lechonia operated. The remaining part, Ano Lechonia-Milies, started to be constructed in 1896 and in 1903 was put into operation.
The supervision of the construction of the railway network was carried out by Evaristo de Chirico, the father of the well-known painter Giorgio de Chirico, who was born in Volos. During the construction, the young De Chirico was present, observing the mean that later inspired him and was “hidden” in many of his creations.
Schedule-Information
The departure and return hours of the train are scheduled to be convenient for day trips, even for passengers staying outside Volos. Upon availability, the little train of Pilion can be booked for special events and/or excursions. Special prices are applicable.
You may find more information on our website.
