TOP 10 MOST FASCINATING RAILWAY STATIONS

Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the largest crossing station in Europe. Berlin Central Station is with no doubt an impressive piece of modern, some would say, futuristic architecture. The construction was completed in 2006. The railway station has two levels, 14 platforms and around 80 stores. There is also a beach nearby, which is according to some not very practical in winter. The building consists of metal and glass panels that allow daylight shine into the building.

The railway station in Kuala Lumpur was completed in 1910. Since then it has been extended, rebuilt and has undergone some major changes. The building is a mixture of Eastern and Western styles and as such looks more like a fairy tale castle than a railway station.

The concept of North Park Cable Way was created by Zaha Hadid architect studios. Their cable railway stations located in Innsbruck are masterpieces of modern architecture. The complex consists of four different, yet similar in form, railway stations. Although the architects used technologies developed in the automotive industry the design resembles nothing else but natural ice and snow formations.

Another interesting railway station is to be found in France. La Gare de Strasbourg Station was designed in 1883 by a Berlin based architect Johann Jacobsthal and was impressively renovated in 2007. A new glass cocoon frontage was added and the new 120 meter long glass construction creates an interesting contrast to the original historical building of the Strasbourg’s station.

A huge 14-meter high gate leading to the station’s entrance is the first thing travelers see when approaching the station. The impressive dome that covers the passage connecting the eastern and western part consists of 3,000 glass panes. As such Kanazawa Station is known as a combination of traditional iconic Japanese wooden construction and modern futuristic architecture.

The Southern Cross Station is located in Melbourne. In 2002 the city decided to rebuild the former Spencer Street Station into a modern transportation hub and the whole project was completed four years later. The most interesting feature of this building is its undulating roof. The station was even awarded with the prominent Lubetkin Prize by the Royal Institute of British Architects for the most outstanding new building located outside EU.

Have you ever seen a jungle in a railway station? No? So go to Madrid! The building was designed in 1851 and in 1992 a stunning exotic garden by Rafael Moneo was added. The jungle covers 4,000 sq. m and houses about 500 species of plants and animals. You can thus look forward to seeing carnivorous plants or even turtles right in the middle of the station. For those not interested in such an adventure there is also a renowned night club.

The station, originally known as Victoria Terminus, is located in Mumbai and is one of the busiest stations in India. It was designed by Frederick William Stevens, an English architect, in the 19^th century. In 2004 the station was inscribed on the list of the World Heritage sites thanks to the two cultures intermingling under one roof – the English Victorian Gothic Revival blends with the Indian traditional architecture and creates unique atmosphere not seen anywhere else.

The station was constructed between 1895 and 1905. It is well known for its vast dome above the waiting room hall as well as an impressive viaduct thanks to which the station looks rather like a temple than a transportation hub. No wonder the locals came up with a nickname – Railway Cathedral.

The historical station was constructed between 1864 and 1868 in London. Although in 1960’s the authorities planned to demolish the complex it survived and only recently underwent a major reconstruction. Today St. Pancras Station is celebrated for its amazing Victorian architecture as well as two impressive statues – the statue of John Betjeman and Meeting Place, a 9 meter tall bronze statue of a couple. If you wonder where the longest champagne bar in Europe can be found – yes head also to the St. Pancras Station.

Brought to you by Tourism-Review.com, the tourism news provider for the travel trade community worldwide. Visit www.tourism-review.com.