2 weeks ago
25
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When traveling abroad, people tend to focus more on the mainstream tourist destinations, shifting their attention away from the small details of the locals' everyday lives. Such are the transportation hubs that connect cities and towns, like these most beautiful train stations in the world, which never fail to captivate the eyes of their viewers.
If you find yourself in one of these neighborhoods, be sure to visit the world's most stunning train stations below.
10 Most Beautiful Train Stations in the World
Conde Nast Traveler and Time Out share their lists of the most beautiful train stations in the world which include these contenders:
1. Antwerpen-Centraal Station - Belgium
Belgium's Antwerp Central Station, also known as the "Middenstatie" or "Railway Cathedral" by locals, was inaugurated in 1905. In 2009, it underwent a major restoration, with new tunnels dug to facilitate the city's current high-speed rail service.
With a 43-meter-high canopy, electric-style steelwork covering the platform, and awe-inspiring two underground levels, it has been voted the world's most beautiful train station several times.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - India
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus features a four-meter tall marble statue that symbolizes the district's progress in the post-colonial era. In addition to its grandiose appearance, the palatial colossal structure is synonymous with British architecture and leaves lasting impressions on its visitors.
3. Kanazawa Station - Japan
While Kanazawa Station is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful train stations in modern times, the railway hub received mixed reactions in its early days. Some thought the gleaming, ultra-modern glass Motenashi Dome looked out of place in the past. Today, Kanazawa Station is an idyllic fusion of futuristic architecture and traditional wooden Torii gates.
4. Grand Central - USA
New York's Grand Central Station is not only famous for being featured in movies such as The Avengers and North by Northwest but also for the painted constellations of the zodiac that adorn the ceiling of the main concourse. With other highlights such as the Tiffany clock, murals, marble staircases, sculptures ,and paintings, the station remains one of New York's most famous landmarks.
5. Sirkeci Station - Turkey
Sirkeci Station serves as a luxurious gateway between Istanbul and Europe. The magnificent building features 300 gas lamps and tiled stoves imported from Austria. To complete the French Art Nouveau and Ottoman styles, it also boasts brick bands all over its clock towers, windows, and facade.
6. Sao Bento - Portugal
Adorned with more than 20,000 tiles depicting Portugal's significant dynamism, Sao Bento completes its glorious setting with a blue and white painting, styled by Jorge Colaco. Beyond its functional use, most travelers spend their time capturing the beauty of the station's granite exterior.
7. Southern Cross - Australia
Mentioned on the list of the world's most beautiful train stations, Southern Cross spans an entire city block in Melbourne. Grimshaw Architects have brought this building to life, with its unique Y-shaped column roof adding to the station's aesthetic value.
8. Gare du Nord - France
The Gare du Nord is one of the oldest railway stations in the world, and it continues to be a busy place. On the outside, visitors are greeted by twenty-three female statues, each representing a destination. As you move further into the building, soaring windows throughout the interior provide ample natural light and enhance the beauty of the station.
9. Liège-Guillemins Station - Spain
Completed in 2009 to replace the 1958 International Style building, today's Liège-Guillemins Station was designed by Santiago Calatrava in white concrete, glass, and steel. The immersive building now connects two neighborhoods previously separated by the railroad tracks.
10. King’s Cross Station - UK
Rounding out the list of the most beautiful train stations in the world, King's Cross Station is both grand and lavish, encompassing a 15-year, $650 million renovation project. The new distinctive canopy, which looks more like a halved funnel, now spans the ticket hall and pedestrian thoroughfare. Thanks to John McAslan, the station is now a celebrated tourist landmark in London.
CN Traveler | Time Out
Editor's Choice: Top 10 Most Beautiful Towns in the World You Must Visit
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
