Summary - TST 38

TRANSPORTES, SERVICIOS Y TELECOMUNICACIONES

Stefano MAGGI
Railways and urbanistic development in Italy. The railway small cities between Siena and Follonica in Tuscany 1859-1961

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Key Words: railway and urbanism, Towns and railway stations, Railway countries, Follonica, Siena.

[ Abstract ]

During the XIXth century, the railway brought the greatest changes, since Italy has a largely hilly and mountainous territory. Even in the ancient port cities, the tracks were spread from the docks to the limits of the built-up areas and large maritime stations were built that moved the goods, also contributing to urban growth. In the countryside, the railway tracks along the river valleys attracted the residents of the medieval centers on the hills, and new settlements were built around the stations, the so-called “paesi scalo” (railway countries).

The train station was something completely new compared to the old post stations, which were in the heart of the cities and integrated into the historic centers. Since the 1840s, the main Italian cities underwent an urban change, caused by the construction of the head or transit stations.

This paper analyzes the location of the stations in two Italian towns, a Mediaeval town and a port town, Siena and Follonica. It also focuses on the role of the changes, along the railway itinerary Siena-Follonica, which had a fundamental role of attraction towards the plains for the inhabitants of the hills. The railway was also important in the fight against “malaria” endemic disease.