Montevergine’s Sacred Funicular Reopens, Reviving Iconic Ascent
The Montevergine funicular resumed passenger service today after a four-month suspension. Service will run through Monday, April 6, with daily operating hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Service schedule and capacity
Departures are scheduled every 45 minutes on weekdays. On holidays, trains will run every 30 minutes. The two cars completed test runs over the roughly 1,600-metre line before reopening.
Journey details
The ascent takes about seven minutes to reach the basilica square. The system is one of the steepest funiculars in Europe. For now, it remains the only transport option to the summit.
Safety checks and authorisations
Extensive maintenance and extraordinary inspections were completed in recent weeks. Friday morning’s tests cleared the way for passenger service.
The director of the system, Carmine Alvino, authorised the restart. Air Campania manages the funicular and oversaw the technical work.
Background and road access
The funicular and the provincial road were closed after a landslide at the end of November. The valley station gates remained shut while engineers assessed safety.
Repair work on the provincial road continues. Vehicle traffic on the road that crosses Pietrastornina will stay restricted on holidays.
Access for visitors
Only service and emergency vehicles may use the road at present. Pilgrims can also reach the sanctuary on foot via trails from Mercogliano and Ospedaletto d’Alpinolo.
Community and institutional response
The Benedictine community, led by abbot Riccardo Luca Guariglia, will welcome visiting faithful. Palm Sunday celebrations are expected to mark a return of activity at the sanctuary.
The reopening followed technical meetings called by Prefect Rosanna Riflesso and Chief of Police Pasquale Picone. Regional authorities and civil protection officials supported the work.
- Key institutional figures involved: regional transport councillor Mario Casillo.
- Also engaged: general director for Civil Protection Italo Giulivo.
- Air Campania administrator Anthony Acconcia coordinated operations and stakeholder work.
Montevergine’s Sacred Funicular Reopens, Reviving Iconic Ascent and restoring a vital link for religious tourism. The final stretch climbs through Partenio greenery, now dusted with a thin layer of snow.
Filmogaz.com will monitor developments as access and road repairs continue. Expect crowded carriages from early morning during the reopening period.
