Currently, some of these stations, in addition to their function, can still be appreciated due to their architectural beauty.

There are some Portuguese stations with unusual beauty, built and decorated with elements that represent the country a lot. Some of these buildings are even valued in world rankings. Here we highlight some of the best train stations in the country.


Estação Ferroviária de Porto – São Bento

Located in Praça de Almeida Garret, it is easy to identify the imposing building, in the Historic Centre of the city of Porto. A setting worthy of a movie and architecture that placed Porto Central Station among the 37 most beautiful stations in the world. However, what's most impressive is not even what is on the outside. The station, opened in 1916, is lined with Portuguese tiles, guaranteeing a unique experience when confirming timetables or buying a ticket for a train trip. In total, there is an area of 551 square metres covered by tiles, which tell moments in the History of Portugal.




Estação Ferroviária Lisboa – Rossio

This is yet another station located in the central area of a city, in this case at Praça do Rossio, in Lisbon. Its activities began in 1890 and its architectural beauty makes the station stand out in one of the busiest squares in Lisbon. The building itself is imposing, with several arched windows, among other features worth exploring. However, it is the main doors that attract the most attention from onlookers. Two arched doors, with unconventional railings on the windows. This station deserves a visit, especially at night when the lights come on.




Estação Ferroviária de Vilar Formoso

Fleeing from the central stations, in the district of Guarda, in Vilar Formoso, there is one of the train stations that most attracts the attention of those travelling on the Beira Alta Line. The station, which is a crucial point of an international rail connection, is decorated with Portuguese tiles throughout the station building. It also turns out to be a demonstration of what the railway environment was like in Portugal in the 19th century.




Antiga Estação Ferroviária de Aveiro

Aveiro is a city still served by rail transport, however, changes have been made to the station. The old station was deactivated and now, in the city, the train stops at a much more modernised interface. However, the old building still exists and is well-maintained. The space can be visited, but it is the facade that impresses the most. It is not as imposing as the other stations already mentioned, but 59 tile panels can be seen, representing professions, local figures and even certain points of the city.




Estação Ferroviária de Coimbra

Also known as Coimbra-A, Estação Nova or Estação Ferroviária Coimbra-Cidade. The station was inaugurated in 1885 and was a way to expand the rail services, which stopped in Coimbra-B, to the centre of the students' city. It is an imposing building, with a staircase that takes passengers to the station. With a clock located up on high, Estação Nova is one of the areas from which most people arrive in the city of Coimbra. At the risk of closure, due to works on the Metro Mondego, it is planned to maintain the station, to preserve its history.



Author

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos