Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is a beautiful and vibrant city with a rich history. One of the most famous landmarks in Madrid is the Atocha Station.
The Atocha Station is not just any ordinary railway station, it is steeped in history and has become a popular tourist attraction over the years. In this article, we will explore what makes the Atocha Station so special.
The History of Atocha Station
Atocha Station was first built in 1851 and was initially known as Estación de Mediodía. It was designed by Alberto de Palacio Elissagne, who was an associate of Gustave Eiffel, the French engineer who designed the Eiffel Tower. Initially, it served as the terminus for trains originating from the south of Spain.
However, in 1892, a catastrophic fire destroyed much of the station’s interior and claimed several lives. The station was subsequently rebuilt and reopened in 1892 under the name Estación de Atocha.
The Architecture of Atocha Station
The architecture of Atocha Station is stunning and unique. The station’s main building features an impressive cast-iron and glass roof that covers a large tropical garden.
The garden is home to over 7,000 plants from around the world, including palm trees and banana trees. The garden also has a small pond with turtles and fish.
The combination of cast-iron columns and glass gives visitors an impression that they are standing in a greenhouse rather than a train station. This unique feature makes Atocha Station one of its kind worldwide.
What To See at Atocha Station?
Apart from being an active railway station connecting Madrid to many other cities across Spain such as Barcelona, Seville or Valencia; there’s much more to see at Atocha Station.
One of the highlights of the station is the statue of a giant sea turtle located near the pond in the garden. The turtle statue serves as a tribute to an incident that happened in 2006, when a train arriving at Atocha Station collided with a truck carrying over 12,000 pounds of fish.
The impact killed many fish but also left one sea turtle injured. The turtle was later rescued and brought to an aquarium where it recovered from its injuries.
Another attraction at Atocha Station is the railway museum located on the lower floor. The museum showcases various artifacts and items related to railway history in Spain such as old railway tickets, telegraph machines and other historical items.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Atocha Station is not just any ordinary railway station; it is a unique architectural marvel with an interesting history and many attractions to offer its visitors. From its stunning cast-iron and glass roof to its beautiful tropical garden and unique museum, Atocha Station has something for everyone. If you ever find yourself in Madrid, make sure you visit this one-of-a-kind railway station – it’s an experience you won’t forget!