The National Railway Museum of Pietrarsa is one of the most fascinating places in the Naples area. A place where history, technology and landscape come together in a truly unique way. The museum center is located between Naples and Porches and is directly overlooking the sea, in what was once the great Bourbon Opificio, founded by Ferdinand II in 1840. The first Italian machine shops dedicated to the construction and maintenance of locomotives were established here, and it is therefore a symbolic place of the birth of the railroad in Italy.

Hundreds of skilled workers worked at Pietrarsa, producing locomotives, carriages, machine tools and components destined for all of Europe. It was in this context that the first Italian railway line, the Naples-Portici, opened in 1839, a work that marked the beginning of our country's railway history and made the site even more central.

For many years the factory went through a period of splendor, expanding its halls, foundries and workshops. The arrival of theUnification of Italy changed the balance, however. The new state centralized major railroad production in the North, and Pietrarsa slowly began to lose importance. Orders dwindled, many departments were transferred elsewhere, and there was no shortage of tension and protests by the workers. Despite this, the workshops continued to function through much of the twentieth century, especially in the railroad maintenance sector.

As the years passed, however, production activity became more and more limited, until it finally closed. For a time the complex remained unused, threatening to fall into neglect. Then came the turning point in the eighties, when State Railways recognized the historical and architectural importance of the site and decided to restore it. After lengthy restoration work that respected the original layout made of iron, glass and brick, the Pietrarsa National Railway Museum was opened in 1989, exactly 150 years after the first Italian railway.

Since then Pietrarsa has come back to life, no longer as a factory, but as a large cultural space. Among its avenues overlooking the sea and historic pavilions, today you can admire more than sixty vintage locomotives and carriages and participate in events, exhibitions and initiatives that have made the museum a national landmark.

Also this year for the holiday season, the appointment with the Pietrarsa Christmas markets. The 2025-2026 edition confirms the format that, in recent years, has transformed Pietrarsa into one of the symbolic places of Christmas in Italy. The route unfolds among historic avenues and pavilions, where the log cabins illuminated frames a succession of artisans from Campania and around the country offering typical products and other gift ideas.

The booths offer a rich selection of local crafts, including cribs, miniatures, wood and ceramic decorations, scented candles, natural soaps, knitwear and wool accessories, personalized items, paper goods and illustrations. This year the village also welcomes well-known pizzerias and pastry shops that are symbols of Neapolitan cuisine. In fact, thefood area complete the experience with traditional sweets, chocolate, roasted chestnuts, typical sandwiches, mulled wine and hot drinks.

Adding to the atmosphere are traveling shows, concerts, small art performances and light compositions that accompany visitors all along the way, creating evocative scenery and thematic settings. As per tradition, there will be no shortage of Santa's House, one of the most beloved attractions for children, ready to welcome them with photos, letters and moments of pure magic.

Among the big surprises of this edition will be the White Night Dec. 23 which will run from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Pietrarsa 2025 Christmas Markets will be featured by. Saturday, November 29 through Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Depending on the reporting period there will be different entry times:

• 29/11 to 14/12: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-7pm and Friday-Sunday 10am-10pm;
• From 16/12 to 30/12: daily from 10 am to 10 pm;
• The 23/12 there will be a special opening from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m;
• From 02/01 to 06/01: daily from 10 am to 10 pm.