Genoa, Naples and Palermo were the main ports of embarkation for emigrants.
By train, one could reach other European countries, as well as the port of Le Havre in France, where it was easier for the emigrants from the North to embark for the Americas. The number of departures grew and grew until shortly before the beginning of World War I – this was the “great emigration” era.
At the end of the war, following the progressive closing of access to America, European destinations became popular, albeit on a smaller scale. Trieste became an important port of emigration.
After the end of World War II, departures towards all destinations, whether continental or intercontinental, began again and rapidly increased.