(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 16 - Premier Giorgia Meloni and Culture
Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano on Sunday travelled on the
inaugural train service directly connecting Rome and Pompeii.
The premier was welcomed by applause by members of the public
after arriving at Pompeii before her delegation got on to a
shuttle bus to the ancient Roman archaeological site.
Up until now it has been necessary for people wanting to get to
the world's most famous archaeological site from the capital via
train to change in Naples - an option that remains available.
But thanks to an agreement between the culture ministry and rail
company Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS) there will now be one
direct Frecciarossa high-speed service every day.
The outward service leaves Rome at 8:53 and reaches Pompeii at
10:40 after stopping at the Napoli Centrale station at 10:03.
The return departs from Pompeii at 18:40, stops in Naples at
19:23 and gets into Rome's Termini station at 20:55.
"The initiative is starting in this way, but it is possible that
it will be developed further," said Culture Minister Gennaro
Sangiuliano at the presentation of the new service last week.
"Article 9 of the Constitution says that we must preserve and
protect cultural heritage, but we must also develop it". (ANSA).
Meloni inaugurates direct Rome-Pompeii rail service
Premier welcomed by applause upon arrival