Antwerp Central, Antwerp
The Antwerp Central railway station, one of the most stunning in the world, first opened its doors in 1905. Louis Delacenserie, who was primarily responsible for its design, combined several architectural eras. Delacenserie is responsible for the enormous dome over the waiting area, Clement van Bogaert designed the trainshed, and architect Jan Van Asperen created the glass viaduct leading into the station. Numerous surveys have named this Belgian building the most beautiful train station.
More than 20 different types of marble and stone are lavishly used to decorate the magnificent Antwerp station waiting hall, which was finished in 1905. However, the contrast of the skylights and soaring arched windows that flood the concourse with light prevents this from feeling ponderous. A stunning iron and glass roof can also be seen on the upper train platform.
Dilapidated pediments and turrets removed in the 1950s have been meticulously restored in 2009, preserving the original terminal's integrity even as new tunnels have been dug to accommodate through traffic and high-speed rail.
It would be difficult to choose a station that better embodies the glory days of rail travel than Antwerpen-Centraal. It is a large-scale representation of the history of continental rail travel and is solid, imposing, and made of iron, glass, marble, and granite.
