In the era of papal travels around the world, it may make one smile that it takes a Pontiff more than half an hour to cover the 19 kilometers of the Rome-Frascati line by train. But in the mid-19th century it was undoubtedly a sign of modernity that a descendant of the Apostle Peter was promoting the construction of railways. And that he personally used the brand new means of transport. Certainly the “King Pope” did not travel on public trains. 

Pope Mastai Ferretti had his own train, three carriages that would make a crowned head envious, gifts from papal companies commissioned from French workshops. One was set up as a loggia for blessings, the second with a sitting room and throne, the third as a sumptuous chapel.