8 of the Most Beautiful Railway Stations in the World

Within the city of Porto in Portugal lies an old Benedictine monastery. However, what lies inside the facade is a sprawling railway station that emanates a nostalgic air. Opened in 1916, the São Bento railway station's main hall bears over 20,000 stunning azulejo tin-glazed ceramic tiles depicting scenes from Portugal's past – from its wars, its royalty, and its transportation history. The myriad blue and white tiles were placed along the walls of the station over a period of 11 years by the artist Jorge Colaço. 

Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava designed the beautiful Liège-Guillemins station, constructed with steel, glass, and white concrete. Its massive windows and arching skylights work to bring the outside in. Calatrava aimed to create a building without facades, instead relying on the roof for both shelter and recognizability. He achieved his goal, as the 145-meter-long canopy instantly became iconic the world over. 

Located within the centre, Dunedin Station is one of the city's most prominent architectural landmarks. It dates back to 1906 and bears fantastic Flemish Renaissance-style features, with white Oamaru limestone facings on black basalt. This contrast gives the building a dramatic air and its characteristic "Gingerbread House" appearance. The booking hall features a mosaic floor with almost 750,000 tiles of Royal Doulton porcelain, and the roof was tiled with terracotta shingles imported from Marseilles. The interior also features a large restaurant on the ground floor, as well as art galleries and a sports hall of fame on the upper floor. 

The busiest train station in the USA, Grand Central Terminal, is also one of New York City's most famous historical landmarks. It is an ode to the country's past and an iconic tourist destination that draws in over 20 million visitors a year. The station was officially opened in 1913 and has become the biggest railway station in the world, with 44 platforms and 67 tracks. High above the main foyer, the domed ceiling bears striking paintings of constellations. 

See also: How Beautifully Designed Staircases Can Add Style and Flair to Your Home

This neo-Baroque station, completed in 1905, boasts more than twenty types of marble and stone in its construction and decoration. Just under the domed roof and iron and glass vaulted ceiling of Antwerpen Centraal, an antique clock is prominently located where passengers can clearly see its time as they wait for their trains. Unfortunately, the station suffered damage in 1986 as a result of bombings during World War II but underwent extensive renovations that preserved its iconic look. 

Stepping into the Komsomolskaya Metro Station in Moscow, you would think you had entered a grand palace hall instead of a railway station. Alexey Shchusev, the designer behind the Komsomolskaya station, was awarded the Stalin Prize in 1951 for his use of the Stalinist style. The imposing yellow Baroque ceiling is adorned by elegant chandeliers and supported by 68 white marble columns. There are also eight large mosaics adorning the ceiling, depicting scenes of the historical Russian fight for freedom and independence. 

This historic railway station is the only one that has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. The British architect Frederick William Stevens designed this station to honour Queen Victoria and was a symbol of Bombay's prestige. This station, built in the imposing style of Victorian gothic architecture, took ten years to build, was completed in 1888, and was originally known as Victoria Terminus. Its name was changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996 in honour of Shivaji, the 17th-century founder of the Maratha Empire. 'Chhatrapati' is a royal title that typically precedes his name. 

NOW READ

5 Stunning Modern Buildings Reinterpreting Islamic Architecture

A Look Inside Luxury Mansions That Once Belonged to Fashion Royalty

Ask a Designer: How to Make the Modern Industrial Style Look Luxurious and Cosy