Istrian railways mark 150 years with historic journey to Pula

(Photo: HŽ Infrastruktura)

A special historic train journey from Divača in Slovenia through Buzet and Pazin to Pula has marked 150 years of railways in Istria, commemorating a transport connection that has shaped the region’s economic, social and cultural development.

The journey on Thursday followed the historic route towards Pula, where the first train arrived on 20 September 1876, connecting Istria with the wider European railway network.

Passengers travelled in an atmosphere inspired by the late 19th century, with costumed railway staff and some passengers dressed in period clothing. Ceremonies were held at stations along the route, highlighting both the history and future of rail transport in the region.

The anniversary also comes as major investment is underway in Istrian railway infrastructure.

HŽ Infrastruktura is currently carrying out a €55 million reconstruction of 50.13 kilometres of railway from the state border through Buzet to Sveti Petar u Šumi. The works include track and points reconstruction, repairs to railway structures and improvements at level crossings.

(Photo: HŽ Infrastruktura)

The project is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2028 and is intended to provide faster, more comfortable and reliable passenger services, while creating conditions for more passenger trains and the renewed development of freight transport.

In Pula, the anniversary programme continued with the opening of the exhibition “Gremo na makinu! 150 years of Istrian Railways” at the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria.

(Photo: HŽ Infrastruktura)

Organised jointly by HŽ Infrastruktura’s Croatian Railway Museum and the museum in Pula, the exhibition presents original railway objects, documents, photographs and plans spanning 150 years.

Among the exhibits are historic photographs and postcards, old timetables, an original 1875 plan of Pula railway station, a railway motor trolley dating from 1963, a teleprinter used at Pazin station and a model of the Parenzana railway.

The exhibition is open to visitors until 30 November 2026.