In the 19th century, Antwerp grew rapidly, but the city lacked proper transport connections. On June 3, 1836, the first station opened during the reign of King Leopold II. This simple wooden building had only one railway line connecting Brussels, Mechelen, and Antwerp. Due to increasing demand, it quickly became too small. In 1845, a new international line to the Netherlands was added, allowing both passengers and freight transport.
In 1895, architect Louis Delacenserie designed a new station, this time built in stone. A plaque called it the “Middenstatie,” and a large square was created in front of it, known as Statieplein. During the Second World War, the station suffered heavy damage and fell into decline; at one point, demolition was even considered.
In 1998, a large-scale modernization began. Tunnels were dug beneath Antwerp to make the station suitable for high-speed trains. After years of renovation, it reopened in 2007 as an impressive example of Belgian architecture. In 2011, the station won the prestigious Europa Nostra Award for cultural heritage.
It is still internationally praised as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. What do you think—does Antwerp Central belong among the very finest?
Sources. Story: Source Story: Photos: Source Photo: Fred Romero from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
