FAI offers free tours of vintage train once used by Italy's kings and heads of state.

The public will have a chance to visit the luxuriously-fitted train once by used Italy's presidents, and before that by the Savoy royal family, thanks to special tours organised by the Fondo Ambiente Italia (FAI), reports La Repubblica.

The tours, held in collaboration with the Fondazione FS Italiane, take place on Thursday 6 June from 18.00-22.00, on Via Giovanni Giolitti 168 in the Termini Station area.

It will be possible to visit the historic vehicle, made up of nine of the 12 cars that made up the Royal train, built between 1928 and 1933 for the House of Savoy. 

The first three carriages were built in 1929 by Fiat, winner of the national competition for the construction of a royal train designed specifically for the wedding of the crown prince Umberto II and Princess Maria Josè in 1930. 

The train was embellished with inlays, embroidery, bronze and leather fittings, created by the most skilled artisans of the era. 

During world war two the vehicle suffered significant damage however, between 1947 and 1948, nine of the 12 carriages were restored and went on to form the presidential train.

The tours are free and are part of the Cosa FAI stasera series of evening events.

Similar to Britain’s National Trust, FAI works to preserve and highlight Italy’s cultural heritage through education, restoration, events and open days.

Photo La Repubblica