The History of the Greek Railways — Season 1
About this season
It all starts on 1830, when young George Stephenson manufactures the first steam engine and the first railway networks are built soon after. Railway becomes a crucial factor in the development of trade and military strength for a country, with its ability to quickly transport soldiers and munitions. Railways expand rapidly in Europe and arrive soon in Greece.
Episodes (12)
1. The birth of the Greek Railways
Aired 8 February 2022 • 45 min
Through rich photographic and archival material, we travel back in time, on Railway from Athens to Piraeus (SAP), which was the first railway in Greece.
2. The Attica Railway System
Aired 15 February 2022 • 45 min
We follow the Attica Railways through time, from their glorious days with the amazing “Beast of Kifissia”, up to the decline of the network.
3. Thessaloniki Railways through the memories of Railway Workers - Part Ι
Aired 22 February 2022 • 45 min
At the beginning of the 20th century, the city of Thessaloniki is linked to Istanbul, to the Balkans and to Europe, through three different railway lines.
4. Thessaloniki Railways through the memories of Railway Workers - Part ΙΙ
Aired 1 March 2022 • 45 min
We learn about telecommunications rail networks and their importance for rail travel.
5. The Railways of East Macedonia and Thrace
Aired 8 March 2022 • 44 min
Follow us on a journey through enchanting landscapes filled with colours and history, as we travel along the Ottoman networks of the Connecting Railway and the Eastern Railways.
6. The Railway Networks of Idomeni and Florina
Aired 15 March 2022 • 45 min
Two different routes. Two different railway networks. Two different railway companies. Two different railway destinations in Gevgeli and Monastiri. A common starting point. Thessaloniki.
7. The railway connection between Athens and Thessaloniki
Aired 22 March 2022 • 45 min
Such a long distance is now covered by train in just 4 hours, forming one of the most important transport routes in Greece.
8. The Railways of Thessaly
Aired 29 March 2022 • 45 min
The liberation of Thessaly from the Ottoman rule will prove a fertile ground for the development of both rich agriculture in the region and an extensive commercial network.
9. The railway networks of the North Peloponnese and Aetolia-Acarnania
Aired 5 April 2022 • 45 min
Due to the rapid growth in the Peloponnese region, the need for the development of a land-based means for the speedy and mass transport of products becomes evident.
10. The railway networks of the Central and South Peloponnese
Aired 12 April 2022 • 46 min
The network of the Piraeus-Athens-Peloponnese Railways had already begun to spread in the early 1880s.
11. The Greek Railways during the National Struggles, Part 1
Aired 19 April 2022 • 46 min
We learn about the crucial role played by the Greek railway networks in warfare.
12. The Greek Railways in the National Causes, Part 2
Aired 26 April 2022 • 46 min
As Germans, Italians and Bulgarians invade Greece, the Greek railways fall into the hands of the enemy.