Built: 1895-1905 Designed by: L. Delacenserie and Van Bogaert Renovated: 1993-2005 Type: Transportation Facility Maximum Height: 246 feet / 75 meters Location: Koning Astrid Plein, Antwerp, Belgium
T he Central Station is a magnificent creation. Known as the "Railway Cathedral" to locals and admirers from afar, this station brings the mystery and excitement of a bygone era of rail travel to life today. It is appropriate that this is such a grand expanse. Still, "Cathedral" may be a bit of a misnomer. It has been compared to the Taj Mahal, and perhaps "palace" would be a better analogy since it is made from 20 kinds of marble and stone, and even the cafeteria is renouned for its decor. Antwerp is home to the oldest railway line in Belgium (The Brussels - Mechelen - Antwerp line). From the outside it can be mistaken for a cathedral because of its huge dome. It might look more like a castle or government building if six of its eight towers weren't demolished years ago. The vast glass and metal vault which shelters trains and passengers alike is 185 meters long, and 44 meters high. The station is so beautiful it was featured in an episode of Agatha Christie's "Poirot." Except, on television it played the role of the Brussels Station, not an insignificant slight to Antwerp.
