Abano Terme, Italy On Saturday, January 27th, 2024, a momentous occasion unfolded as the new offices of the Duegi Editrice publishing house were inaugurated within the historic confines of the old railway station in Abano Terme, located in the province of Padua, Italy.
Founded in 1987 by Gianfranco Berto, Duegi Editrice has established itself as a leader in rail transport-related publishing and model railways. Following its acquisition and relaunch by Fondazione FS, the institution entrusted with the preservation and management of Italy’s rich railway heritage, Duegi Editrice continues to thrive.
The ceremony not only signifies a new chapter for Duegi Editrice but also marks the transformation of the Abano station into a cultural hub of national significance. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Fondazione FS and Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, the lead company of FS Group’s infrastructure division, the station has been meticulously restored to its former glory.
The first floor of the passenger building, long abandoned, now hosts the editorial offices of renowned magazines Tutto Treno and Tutto Treno Modellismo, along with invaluable photographic and editorial archives. Meanwhile, the ground floor accommodates an elegant 80-seat conference hall and an adjacent shop offering a selection of railway-related literature and memorabilia.
The inauguration event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Monsignor Liberio Andreatta, Chair of Fondazione FS; Luigi Cantamessa, General Manager of Fondazione FS Italiane and Editor-in-Chief of Duegi Editrice; Pier Paolo Olla, RFI Stations Operations Manager; Roberto Ciambetti, President of the Veneto Regional Council; Elisa De Berti, Vice-President of the Veneto Region; and Federico Barbierato, the Mayor of Abano Terme.
The occasion was further enriched by the public presentation of the book “Italian Railways in the Horn of Africa” by Aldo Riccardi, adding a literary dimension to the festivities.
During the event, notable speakers shared their insights, expressing admiration for the restoration project and the revival of the station as a cultural landmark. Monsignor Liberio Andreatta praised the initiative as a testament to innovation and service, highlighting the transformative potential of abandoned spaces.
Pier Paolo Olla emphasised the integral relationship between stations and their surrounding territories, underscoring the importance of reviving stations to enhance community cohesion.
Elisa De Berti lauded the restoration efforts, acknowledging the revival of a once-abandoned site into a vibrant cultural centre.
Luigi Cantamessa, in his address, outlined the ambitious future plans for the station, including the conversion of the old freight building into a railway café and the creation of a live steam circuit for children, embodying a blend of nostalgia and innovation.
The inauguration of Duegi Editrice’s new offices symbolises a remarkable fusion of heritage preservation, cultural revitalization, and literary innovation, promising a bright future for Abano Terme and setting a precedent for railway stations across Italy.
