Posts Tagged Antwerpen Centraal Station

More of Antwerp Travels – The Central Station

In addition to my previous post about the zoo and some fascinating architectures I saw, let me share you more of these awesome architectures.

First up: The Antwerpen Centraal Station

One most of the most distinguishable objects found in every Belgium’s train stations is the clock. There’s this piece of elegantly displayed tick-tocks in one corner, embellished with ornate Neo-Renaissance arches and pillars.

Architecture-wise, I found this one very fascinating. It’s pretty much a mixture of old and new architecture, although the pristine qualities strongly stand out. Newsweek even considered this one as the 4th most beautiful station in the world!

Here’s some of the train station’s history from Wikipedia:

The original station building was constructed between 1895 and 1905 as a replacement for the original terminus of the Brussels-Mechelen-Antwerp Railway. The stone clad terminus buildings, with a vast dome above the waiting room hall were designed by Louis Delacenserie and the vast (185 metres long and 44 metres high) iron and glass trainshed by Clement van Bogaert. The viaduct into the station is also a notable structure designed by local architect Jan Van Asperen.

Moreover, there are two classes when riding a train: 1st class and 2nd class. I didn’t notice a major difference from both classes except from the chairs, since I incidentally rode on 1st class on one of my ventures (ha-ha, not my fault if almost everything’s written in Dutch and French, and I don’t speak the language)! Then, the conductor courteously told me that I’m riding in the 1st class, where I should be in 2nd. :-P

Anyhoos, here are some pictures to tour you around Antwerp Central Station. :)

Just arrived at the Antwerp Central Station

*Just arrived!*

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