The Settebello was a famous Italian high-speed express train that linked Milano Centrale in Milan with Roma Termini station in Rome, via Bologna and Florence. Introduced in 1953, it was operated by the Italian State Railways (FS) and used the distinctive ETR 300-type electric multiple unit trainsets, featuring observation lounges at the front and rear of the train. When introduced, it "set a standard of speed and luxurious travelling accommodation previously unknown in Italy [and] rivalling anything else on European rails." It was a Trans Europ Express (TEE) from 1974 until its withdrawal, in 1984.
The TEE Settebello at Milano Centrale in 1983
Interior of lounge at front of Settebello train, in 1983
Name and "Settebello" card game logo on side of train
Preserved ex-Settebello trainset in 2003
Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane
Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane S.p.A. is Italy's national state-owned railway holding company that manages transport, infrastructure, real estate services and other services in Italy and other European countries.
Frecciarossa, premier high-speed train
Milano Centrale railway station in Milan, inaugurated in 1931
Settebello, iconic high-speed train of 1950s
FS headquarters in Rome