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From breathtaking lighthouses to magnificent libraries and museums, we've explored stunning structures worldwide. Now, let's turn our attention to another architectural wonder—train stations that stand as icons of beauty and design.
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, India
Image courtesy of Flickr user fish-bone
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this architectural marvel was originally called Victoria Terminus. It showcases a breathtaking fusion of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival and classic Indian Mughal styles. Designed by Frederick William Stevens, it was inaugurated in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Over time, additional structures were incorporated, all meticulously designed to harmonize with the station’s original aesthetic.
In 1996, the station was renamed to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, though many still refer to it as Victoria Terminal. Today, it stands as India’s busiest railway hub, handling both long-distance and commuter trains departing from Mumbai. If the station seems familiar, it might be because it was featured in the film Slumdog Millionaire.
2. Grand Central Terminal, USA
Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0
Often mistakenly called Grand Central Station, this iconic New York landmark is officially named Grand Central Terminal. Renowned as one of the most beautiful train stations globally, it attracts over 26 million visitors each year, making it the sixth most visited tourist destination worldwide. With 44 platforms spread across two levels, it also holds the record for the most platforms of any train station.
The present-day Grand Central structure, finished in 1913, was a collaborative effort by the architectural firms Reed and Stem and Warren and Wetmore. Reed and Stem handled the overall layout, while Warren and Wetmore infused the Beaux-Arts elements that give the building its distinctive charm. The famous clock in the main concourse was crafted by Henry Edward Bedford.
3. Liege-Guillemins, Belgium
16 miles of string, Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0
With the rise of planes and automobiles, train travel has declined in popularity, leading to many of the world’s grandest stations being constructed during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. However, occasionally, a new station emerges that captures global attention. Liege-Guillemins, inaugurated in 2009, is one such example.
Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the station boasts a strikingly modern aesthetic, featuring a 105-foot-tall arch made of steel, glass, and white concrete. Despite having only five platforms, it serves as a critical hub in Belgium, as all tracks are designed to accommodate high-speed trains.
4. St. Pancras International, UK
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Known as the 'cathedral of the railways,' this iconic London station was inaugurated in 1868 to link the railway routes between the East Midlands and Yorkshire. Its arched train shed, designed by William Henry Barlow, once boasted the world’s largest single-span roof. Despite facing potential closure in the 1960s due to being deemed unnecessary, it was preserved thanks to the efforts of its admirers, including Poet Laureate John Betjeman.
Today, the station features 15 platforms and serves not only as a hub for traditional trains but also includes a London Underground station, a shopping center, and a bus terminal.
5. Dunedin Station, New Zealand
Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0
Designed by George Troup in a revived Flemish Renaissance style, the Dunedin Railway Station earned him the playful nickname 'Gingerbread George.' Completed in 1906, the station has evolved beyond its original purpose due to the decline in passenger rail traffic. Today, its upper floor houses the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and the Otago Art Society.
6. Antwerp Central, Belgium
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Antwerp Central, known locally as Antwerpen-Centraal, serves as the primary railway station for Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city. The original structure, opened in 1905, boasts stone terminus buildings and an impressive dome over the waiting area. Designed by Louis Delacenserie, the station’s architecture blends so many styles that it defies easy categorization, yet the eclectic mix creates a harmonious and striking aesthetic.
7. Milano Centrale, Italy
Photo courtesy of Flickr user Patrick Denker
Milano Centrale is not only one of Italy’s busiest railway hubs but also ranks among the most active in Europe. Following the opening of the Simplon Tunnel in 1906, the original Milan station was deemed insufficient to handle the increased traffic. Although the design for Milano Centrale wasn’t finalized until 1912 and the station opened in 1931, King Victor Emmanuel II laid its cornerstone in 1906. Architect Ulisse Stacchini drew inspiration from Washington DC’s Union Station, but construction slowed significantly due to Italy’s economic struggles during World War I. Over time, the design grew more intricate, especially after Benito Mussolini advocated for a grander structure to symbolize the fascist regime’s power. The result is a stunning fusion of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.
8. Istanbul Sirkeci Terminal, Turkey
Wikimedia Commons
Also referred to as the Istanbul Terminal, this station was crafted by architect Jachmund and inaugurated in 1890. Its design is celebrated as a hallmark of European Orientalism and has inspired countless architects since its creation. Remarkably advanced for its era, the terminal featured built-in gas lighting and heating systems from its opening day.
9. Haydarpasa Terminal, Turkey
Wikimedia Commons
Istanbul boasts not one but two of the world’s most stunning train stations. Historically, Haydarpasa Terminal served trains heading to the Asian side of Turkey, while Sirkeci Terminal handled European-bound routes. However, with Haydarpasa currently closed for renovations, most of its operations have been redirected to other stations, including Sirkeci. Before its closure, Haydarpasa was Turkey’s busiest terminal and a major hub in Eastern Europe.
Designed by architects Otto Ritter and Helmut Conu, the neo-classical structure was completed in 1909. Its construction was exceptionally challenging, as the foundation was built on wooden piles driven into reclaimed marshland along the shore.
10. Luz Station, Brazil
Wikimedia Commons
Designed by Walter Macfarlane & Co. Saracen Foundry Glasgow and finished in 1901, Luz Station is unique for being constructed in Glasgow, disassembled, shipped to Brazil, and then reassembled at its current site. In the early 20th century, it served as the primary gateway to Sao Paulo. However, as rail travel in Brazil declined, so did the neighborhood surrounding the station. Despite this, the station remains a breathtaking landmark and draws numerous visitors, many of whom also come to explore the Museum of the Portuguese Language housed within.
11. Caminho de Ferro de Moçambique, Mozambique
Image courtesy of Flickr user Hoorob
Located in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, this train station was hailed by Newsweek as one of the world’s ten most beautiful. The stunning white and green structure boasts grand arches and pillars in a Victorian style. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who had already achieved fame with the Eiffel Tower.
Today, the station functions not only as a railway hub but also as a vibrant public venue, hosting events like concerts and fashion shows.
12. Atocha Station, Spain
Wikimedia Commons
As Madrid’s largest railway station, the current Atocha building was completed in 1892. Architect Alberto de Palacio Elissagne collaborated with Gustave Eiffel to create the wrought iron renewal-style structure, named after the nearby church dedicated to Our Lady of Atocha.
13. Helsinki Central, Finland
Wikimedia Commons
This iconic Finnish landmark is the most visited building in the country. Designed by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, the station’s concept emerged from a design competition. Initially, Saarinen’s proposal reflected a Scandinavian national romanticist style, but after winning the contest, a public debate arose over the architecture of public buildings, with locals advocating for a more modern approach. Saarinen revised his plans entirely, resulting in this distinctive structure, which opened in 1919.
Notably, the station includes a private waiting lounge reserved solely for the President of Finland and their official guests. Originally intended for the Russian Emperor, the lounge’s purpose shifted after World War I delayed the station’s opening, leading to its redesignation for the Finnish President.
14. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, Malaysia
Wikimedia Commons
Constructed to replace an older station at the same location, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station served as the city’s primary rail hub until the opening of Kuala Lumpur Sentral in 2001. Completed in 1910, the station’s striking architecture blends diverse design influences from both Eastern and Western traditions, often described as Neo-Moorish, Mughal, Indio-Saracenic, or Neo-Saracenic. This unique fusion of styles was masterfully combined by architect Arthur Benison Hubback.
While this list highlights some of the world’s most beautiful train stations, it doesn’t cover them all. If you have a favorite station, feel free to share it in the comments. And if you’re planning a train journey soon, take a moment to appreciate the stations you pass through—their beauty might just enhance your travel experience.
