What is the oldest and most beautiful metro system in Italy? - News from Immobiliare.it

Subways are key lines and hubs of public transport in the country. Today, in various cities where the metro operates, both underground and above ground, this infrastructure offers fast, efficient, and more environmentally friendly service, moving millions of Italians and tourists daily. But what is the oldest metro in Italy? When did the first ride take place? The answer to this question is not so simple, as the concept of the metro as local public transport has evolved over time. Additionally, the title of the oldest metro also depends on the aspect of aesthetics, as the lines and stations in Italy are not all the same.

Who created the metro?

The history of subways in Italy begins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the first construction sites in Naples, Rome, and Milan. Over time, the subway expanded and spread to various Italian cities, becoming an integral part of daily life. The first line officially designated as a subway was opened in Rome on February 9, 1955, by the then President of the Republic, Luigi Einaudi. It was named "Metro A" and later renamed Line B.

What is the oldest metro system in Italy?

Thirty years before the opening in Rome, specifically in 1925, the first subway was opened in Naples, considered a predecessor of modern metros. At that time, it was operated by the state railways (FS) under the name "metropolitana FS." However, according to the regulations in force at that time, it was not considered a true metro, and it was even hard to imagine how this service would develop.

Valuable evidence of this beginning are scenes from some films, such as Vittorio De Sica's The Gold of Naples and Fritz Lang's Metropolis, with plots unfolding in the Neapolitan subway.

• The official definition of "metro" only appeared in 1970 with Law No. 1042 dated December 29, 1969.
• The Neapolitan metro was also a precursor in caring for aesthetics, which is why the metro networks and stations in Italy today are among the most beautifully designed in Europe, with a particular focus on architecture and art.