World’s most beautiful railway stations
Railway stations, often overlooked as mere transportation hubs, can be architectural masterpieces, and captivate you with their beauty and design.
From historic structures to modern marvels, these railway stations around the world redefine the concept of transit points. If you are intrigued by now, read on to know what makes these railway stations the world’s most beautiful.
Grand Central Terminal, New York City
Standing as an iconic symbol of New York City, Grand Central Terminal is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece. The celestial-themed ceiling mural, massive chandeliers, and the grand marble staircase create an atmosphere of opulence and elegance. The Main Concourse’s astronomical ceiling, adorned with constellations, is a celestial marvel that has enchanted commuters since its opening in 1913.
St. Pancras International, London
Combining Victorian splendor with modern sophistication, St. Pancras International in London is a triumph of Gothic architecture. The station’s red-brick facade and soaring clock tower are awe-inspiring. Inside, the Eurostar terminal is a blend of historic charm and contemporary design. The vast train shed, adorned with intricate ironwork, adds a touch of romance to this bustling transportation hub.
Kanazawa Station, Japan
Known as one of Japan’s most stunning train stations, Kanazawa Station boasts a modern architectural marvel with its striking Tsuzumimon gate. The station’s expansive glass facade allows natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The combination of traditional design elements and modern aesthetics makes Kanazawa Station a visual delight.
Antwerp Central Station, Belgium
Often referred to as the ‘Railway Cathedral,’ Antwerp Central Station is a majestic blend of architectural styles, including Art Nouveau and Neo-Baroque. The station’s vast dome and elegant facade showcase the grandeur of railway travel. The spacious and ornate waiting room, adorned with a monumental clock, adds a touch of old-world charm to this Belgian gem.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, India
Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture in India. The intricate stone carvings, pointed arches, and turrets make it a visual spectacle. The station’s iconic dome, crowned with a statue of Progress, symbolizes the spirit of Mumbai’s bustling metropolis.
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, Malaysia
Combining Moorish, Indian, and Western architectural influences, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is a witness to the country’s rich cultural diversity. The station’s domes, minarets, and arched windows create a captivating silhouette. The elegant design, reminiscent of a fairy-tale palace, has earned it a reputation as one of the most beautiful train stations in Asia.
Milano Centrale, Italy
Milan’s second-largest railway station, following Rome’s Stazione Termini, was inaugurated in 1931. Initially designed based on Washington, DC’s Union Station, Mussolini, upon assuming power, enhanced the Beaux Arts architecture by incorporating elements of both Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. The impressive outcome encompasses 118,000 sq ft of marble flooring, an assortment of robust stone sculptures, and five train sheds adorned with expansive canopies made of iron and glass.
Sirkeci Railway Station, Turkey
Serving as the gateway to Europe from Istanbul, the splendid Sirkeci station seamlessly blends French Art Nouveau and Ottoman design elements. Inaugurated in 1890, it was considered remarkably modern for its era, boasting 300 gas lanterns and tile stoves imported from Austria. Positioned at the base of the Bosporus Strait, the station showcases distinctive bands of bricks on its facade, along with clock towers and stained-glass windows. Functioning as the terminus for the renowned Orient Express, connecting Paris’s Gare de l’Est to Turkey in an 80-hour journey, the station continued this role until the line ceased to serve Istanbul in 1977.