Antwerp-Central railway station

Welcome to what is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. As you stand before the Antwerp-Central railway station, or Ant-werp-en Shen-trahl, you are witnessing a monument to the 'Belle…

As you stand outside the station looking at the main facade, take note of the materials. The architect, Louis Delacenserie, utilized over twenty different types of stone and marble to achieve this level of richness. …

Step into the grand vestibule and allow your eyes to travel upward toward the massive dome. This space is the primary reason the station is called a 'cathedral.' The dome reaches a height of 75 meters, and the interior is clad in…

Transitioning from the vestibule, you enter the massive train hall, a structure that feels fundamentally different from the stone hall you just left. This shed was designed by Clement van Bogaert and completed slightly earlier,…

Descending via the escalators, you enter the modern addition to the station. What was once a single-level station is now a four-level transport hub. …

As you exit the station toward the Astridplein, you find yourself at the junction of several of Antwerp's most famous attractions. Immediately to your right is the entrance to the Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest and best-preserved…

Before we finish our exploration of the station, we should acknowledge the commercial and artistic spaces within the building itself. The station features a large shopping gallery that connects the various levels. …

As we conclude our tour of Antwerp-Central, take one final look at the soaring heights of the dome and the intricate ironwork of the shed. This building is more than just a place to catch a train; it is a monument to a specific…