Traveling by train has a special charm. It is a leisurely, contemplative way of moving, which connects landscapes and cities without losing contact with the territory. But beyond the journey itself, there is something that usually goes unnoticed: Train stations can also be patrimonial jewels.
Spain, with more than 15,000 kilometers of a railway network and more than 200 stations distributed over its geography, houses terminals that are authentic architectural works of art. Some remain active; Others have been converted. They all deserve a visit. Here is a selection of the most spectacular seven.
1. Atocha Station (Madrid): A tropical garden in full capital
It is the station with the most traffic throughout the country and one of the most recognizable rail icons. But Atocha Not only is it functional: it is also a visual show.
Highlights his Interior tropical gardeninstalled in the 80s, where hundreds of plants coexist under an iron and glass dome. To this is added its rich architectural history, a mixture of styles that cover from nineteenth -century classicism to the functional modernity of its AVE zone.
2. France station (Barcelona): The train cathedral
Inaugurated in 1929 on the occasion of the International Exhibition, the France station It is one of the most elegant rail terminals in the country.
His curved iron structure and marble lobby They evoke the splendor of the past, and their novelty -style facade impresses anyone who crosses its doors. Although today its use is more limited, it remains a key place in the urban memory of Barcelona.
3. Canfranc Station (Huesca): A palace in the Pyrenees
For decades it was considered the most spectacular international station in Europe, and it is not for less. Built in 1928 on the mountain, Canfranc It was a railway link between Spain and France … until the step closed.
After decades of abandonment, has reborn in 2024 as a luxury hotelalthough part of the original platforms and their monumental facade are still preserved. Its history, linked to spies, wars and smuggling, makes it an almost legendary place.
4. Concord and Abando Stations (Bilbao): Art next to the estuary
Bilbao presumes not one, but two stations worth mentioning. The Concord Stationnext to the estuary, it is a jewel of Basque modernism with Colorful stained glass and ceramic decoration.
A few meters, the ABANDO STATION It complements the experience with its functionality as a great long -distance train exchanger. The contrast between the two reflects the architectural and rail evolution of the city.
5th North Station (Valencia): Modernism with local flavor
The main terminal of Valencia is An icon of Valencian modernism. Inaugurated in 1917, the North StationIt fascinates for its ornamented facade with reasons inspired by local agriculture, such as oranges and flowers.
Inside, an impressive lobby decorated with ceramics, wood and mosaics stands out. Together with the neighboring bullring, it forms an urban set of obligatory visit.
6. Zamora and Puebla Stations of Sanabria: Spanish sobriety
Zamora He is famous for his Romanesque, but his station surprises with a NEOPATERESCO style unusual in rail terminals. Four towers, shields and a central clock adorn an imposing facade inaugurated in 1958.
A few kilometers, in one of the most beautiful villages in Castilla y León, the station of Puebla de Sanabria. Small but charming, is built in Sillar stone with slate roofand only a daily train connects it to the rest of the world. A little known rural jewel.
7. Old Almería Station: Modernism with memory
Designed by a French architect at the end of the 19th century, the OLD ALMERÍA STATION Combine Iron, glass and ceramic In a building that still retains the splendor of yesteryear, despite having been abandoned with the arrival of the 21st century.
Inside, ceramic murals And a story marked by bombings and anti -aircraft shelters make it one of the most soul places in the Andalusian city.
Stops that are worth it, even without a ticket
In the era of high -speed trains and functional stations, there are still spaces where Architecture and History travel hand in hand. These stations show that the trip does not start when the train starts, but when the first platform is chosen.
And sometimes, Beauty is in the place where one expects.
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