Antwerp, Belgium: Antwerpen-Centraal Train Station

Antwerp may not be the capital of Belgium, but the Antwerpen-Centraal Train Station is drop-dead gorgeous.

Antwerpen-Centraal (Antwerp Central) is the main railway station in the Belgian city of Antwerp. It is an attraction of Antwerp in and of itself.

Third time lucky

In 1835 the first train from Brussels to Antwerp arrived in Antwerp in a wooden station outside the city walls, in Koningin Astridplein. This structure was replaced in 1854 by a new wooden station building near the Antwerp Zoo's current entrance: East Station.

But King Leopold II felt that Antwerp deserved a more prestigious station. In 1895 Bruges-born architect Louis dela Censerie set to work. Ten years later Antwerp's Central Station was officially inaugurated. The station consists of an elevated railway bed, a covered steel platform hall and a monumental station building for services and ticket hall.

A beautiful railway cathedral

Antwerp's Central Station is considered one of the most beautiful stations worldwide. Between 2000 and 2009 the monumental building was completely modernised and expanded to accommodate the high-speed rail line. More platforms were opened on two additional underground levels, an additional entrance with station hall was built in Kievitplein and space was created for shops and restaurants. The unique metal platform roof had previously been restored.

Did you know?

In the past Antwerp Central Station was a terminus where trains had to turn around. But since 2007, trains can continue their journey thanks to the railway tunnel between Antwerp Central Station and the north of the city.

Two services any major train station needs to provide are a good visitors' centre and lockers (or baggage deposit services). Both of which Europe doesn't disappoint.

Best 3 Euros spent that day.

Antwerp was the first and last Belgian city I visited.

This peaceful side of the Station is in stark contrast to this (see how cavernous the hall is!) this Sound of Music flashmob at the station.

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Antwerpen-Centraal Train Station