Discover Atocha - the most beautiful railway station in the world.

Located in the heart of Madrid – and often referred to as Madrid's 'Iron Heart' – Atocha train station is considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. The station is divided into three parts: the Puerta de Atocha international and intercity station, the Atocha-Cercanias suburban station, and the Atocha Renfe metro station. The metro station is situated beneath the Ciudad de Barcelona boulevard.

Despite undergoing numerous architectural changes throughout its history, Atocha Station remains an iconic landmark and an integral part of the city. Beyond its architecture, Atocha possesses unique features unlike any other train station in the world, making it a memorable travel experience for anyone visiting the city.

The incredible history of Atocha

The Atocha railway station in Madrid is not only the largest, but also the oldest. Built in 1851, it was the first railway station in the city of Madrid. Construction was carried out under the supervision of the Marquis of Salamanca, and the project was designed by the French engineer Eugene Flachat. It was one of the first railway works and served as the foundation for all other railway lines built around the city.

The initial idea for Atocha was simply a wooden train station with a basic design. In fact, it was initially built to serve only the royal family and was not open to the public. At the time, Atocha was known as Madrid's Central Station, even before train travel developed to the point of transforming it into a major transportation hub. Sadly, not long after Atocha was expanded to accommodate a higher volume of passengers, a fire severely damaged the structure in 1864.

This structural fire also acted as a catalyst for the use of iron in the architecture of today's train station, as iron can withstand damage that wood cannot. Alberto de Palacio y Elissague – who had previously collaborated with Gustave Eiffel – was the architect tasked with designing the station's central walkway. He was assisted in the design by Henri Saint-James, a French engineer. It was Henry who drew architectural inspiration from the Paris International Exhibition for the iconic Atocha roof.

Throughout the 1980s, as train travel once again boomed, Rafael Moneo was commissioned as the architect for the expansion and renovation of the station. This expansion aimed to connect the Puerta de Atocha, Atocha-Cercanías, and metro system.

Today, trains depart from Atocha in Madrid to Toledo, Aranjuez, Guadalajara, Segovia, Escorial, Avila, Cuenca, and Alcalá de Henares. Thirteen train lines converge here. Atocha boasts a diverse infrastructure including shops, cafes, and even nightclubs. There are also hotels offering hourly room rentals.

Tropical gardens grow in Atocha.

One of Atocha's standout features is its stunning indoor tropical garden. With its diverse plant life, the garden brings vibrancy to the entire station. This concept was the brainchild of Rafael Moneo during the renovation, and this highlight has gradually become a must-see destination for many visitors to Madrid.

Located in the central walkway, the enormous garden encompasses a space measuring 152 meters in length and 27 meters in height. The design of the space primarily utilizes iron and glass to mimic the image of a greenhouse.

Plants almost completely dominate the train station's space, with a total of over 7,200 trees, comprising at least 260 different species. It is home to plant species from five different continents around the world. Some of the plants that can be found in Atocha's tropical garden include: coconut trees, banana trees, breadfruit trees, and more.

Upon entering the central walkway for the first time, visitors will feel more like they are in a tropical rainforest than a train station. This is all thanks to the diffusion of light through the glass, combined with a misting system that keeps the garden humid.

Tragic memorial site in Atocha

Another notable feature of Atocha is the memorial built to honor the victims who lost their lives in the 2004 attack on the train station. The horrific events of that tragic day claimed the lives of 193 people.

To commemorate and remember their story, an 11-meter-high cylindrical memorial was built. Inside, visitors will find hundreds of condolence letters, with messages written by Madrid citizens after the attack. This place makes Atocha more meaningful, humane, and solemn than ever before.

With its fascinating history, unique architecture, and captivating beauty, the 'iron heart' of Atocha deserves to be added to any traveler's itinerary when visiting Spain.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao - Photo: Internet