Train to Antwerp

Today I had a sleep in 👏👏 then caught the 11.31 train to Antwerp/Anterpen/Anvers. Only an hour's journey.

When reading up about Antwerp and what was worth seeing, the train station was top of the list. When I walked off the train I stopped short and gaped (as did many others).

Look at the photos and you'll see why. So beautiful.

The current terminal station building was constructed between 1895 and 1905 as a replacement for the first station. The stone-clad building was designed by the architect Louis Delacenserie. The viaduct into the station is also a notable structure designed by local architect Jan Van Asperen. To the north of the station a large public square, known as the Statieplein ("Station Square"), was created, acting as an entry to the city for its many commuters. In 1935, the square's name was changed to the Koningin Astridplein, in honour of the recently deceased Queen Astrid.

During World War II, severe damage was inflicted to the train hall by the impact of V-2 rockets, though the structural stability of the building remained intact, according to the National Railway Company of Belgium.

In the mid-20th century, the building's condition had deteriorated to the point that its demolition was being considered. The station was closed on 31 January 1986 for safety reasons, after which restoration work to the roof starting at the end of March 1986 and finishing in September 1986.

The station is widely regarded as the finest example of railway architecture in Belgium. Owing to the vast dome above the waiting room hall, the building became colloquially known as the spoorwegkathedraal ("railroad cathedral"). The height of the station was necessary for dissipating the smoke of steam trains. The roof of the train hall was originally made of steel.

In 2009, the American magazine Newsweek judged Antwerpen-Centraal the world's fourth greatest train station.  In 2014, the British-American magazine  Mashable  awarded Antwerpen-Centraal the first place for the most beautiful railway station in the world.Читать далее