As train commuters, people often walk in and out of the stations at a
fast pace without a glimpse of the walls or space around them. But
sometimes, especially when you’re in a unfamiliar place, it pays to take
time to appreciate the train station which at times appear to be giant
works of art in need of closer and longer looks. Here are 10 of the most
beautiful train stations in the world that you should visit.
1. Gare du Nord, Paris, France
Forget about the stink, the annoying crowd, the beggars, and the
suspicious people and set your eyes on Gare du Nord’s undeniably
attractive neoclassical design. One of the things you’ll notice is the
23 female statues that decorate the station’s façade. These statues
represent the destinations served by the Chemin de Fer du Nord rail
company including Paris, London, Berlin, Warsaw, Amsterdam, Vienna,
Brussels and Frankfurt.
2. St. Pancras International, London, United Kingdom
The original St. Pancras station was built in 1868 with its
remarkable feature: the 689-feet long and 100-feet high train shed,
which is considered to be one of the largest enclosed spaces in in the
world. It was almost demolished in 1966 but was later withdrawn and in
2001, it was renovated under Sir Norman Foster. The train shed was
extended by 200 meters, the roof was repainted back to its pale sky blue
color, and the station’s masonry, mosaics, ironwork, and stonework were
all renovated. The Victorian architecture is truly stunning, you’d even
ask if this is really a train station.
3. CFM Railway Station, Maputo, Mozambique
The Portuguese influence is evident through Mozambique’s bronze dome.
The CFM Railway Station features a mint-green and white-painted
exterior, wrought-iron latticework, and displays of antique steam
locomotives. Besides being a train station, CFM Railway Station is also
the frequent host for events in Maputo such as concerts and art
exhibitions.
4. Sirkeci Station, Istanbul, Turkey
Sirkeci Station was built in 1888, designed by Prussian architect
August Jasmund. It was once known as the last stop of the famous Orient
Express and a central station for all trains going to Europe before the
Marmaray railway system. It boasted oriental motifs, colored tiles, and
great clock towers that illuminated the whole place. You can still visit
the train station, now with lesser crowds, and admire the red-tiled
exterior, stained glass windows, and the whirling dervishes inside.
5. Southern Cross Station, Melbourne, Australia
The Southern Cross Station’s design focused more on sustainable
architecture and you can see the dune-like roof as one of the answers to
this goal. The roof covers an entire city block of about 60,000 square
meters with 23 meters at its highest point. It was specially designed to
allow diesel fumes, hot air, and exhaust gases to move upwards and be
dispelled through louvers using the force of the existing winds.
6. Kanazawa Station, Kanazawa, Japan
The modern design on Kanazawa Station was once criticized by
residents due to its take on the traditional architecture of the old
castle town. The station can be described by its modern Shinto shrine
gate called the “Drum Gate” (Tsuzmi-mon) because each leg looks like a
tsuzumi drum and the glass-covered “Hospitality Dome” (Motenashi Dome).
7. Atocha Station, Madrid, Spain
It’s a train station, an indoor botanical garden, and a turtle
sanctuary all in one place. The Atocha Station in Madrid knows no
boundaries in creating more than one purpose for itself with its over
2,000 tropical plants and 260 different tropical species covering 13,000
feet of space under the station’s arched roof. On the other end of the
station, you’ll see a turtle pond greatly visited by tourists and
commuters.
8. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, India
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was originally known as the Victoria
Terminus when it was built in the 19th century. Its whole design is a
combination of Victorian Gothic Revival and traditional Indian
architecture shown by three stories of turrets, spires, domes, gables,
and floral and animal patterns. This historic railway station is also a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. São Bento Station, Porto, Portugal
Wow – that’s the only word you’ll say once you see the stunning
exteriors of São Bento Station showing off its architecture touched by
French Renaissance. Be more amazed as you go inside to see the front
hall with its walls covered with 20,000 azulejo tin-glazed ceramic
tiles. The series of tile drawings depict the history of Portugal and
its transportation.
10. Grand Central Terminal, New York, USA
Talking about the world’s good-looking train stations won’t end
without the Grand Central Terminal entering the list. It may even have
already crossed your mind after reading the title. What made it a
remarkable piece was its Beaux Arts style which is described to be more
into the use of historic forms and rich decorative detail as obviously
seen in the terminal’s entire look composed of Roman gods, and ornate
columns, clocks, chandeliers, staircases, arches, windows, and ceilings.
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