I transited at Antwerpen-Centraal train station on my way from Amsterdam to Ghent in January. I’d read that it was considered the most beautiful train station in the world, as awarded by Mashable in 2014. Naturally, I was curious and was gobsmacked at its beauty. Unfortunately, I didn’t leave the station to photograph the exterior, but I did walk around a bit and took a few pics.

©2018 Regina Martins

Considered for demolition at one stage, it has been beautifully restored since ©2018 Regina Martins

The central clock is a popular subject to photograph as passengers come up the escalators from the lower levels ©2018 Regina Martins

It was seriously damaged during World War 2 by the impact of V2 bombs ©2018 Regina Martins

The height of train hall, originally made of steel, was needed to accommodate steam locomotives ©2018 Regina Martins

The vast dome above the waiting hall was designed by Louis Delacenserie ©2018 Regina Martins

The extraordinary eclecticism of the influences on Delacenserie’s design had led to a difficulty in assigning it to a particular architectural style ©2018 Regina Martins

The original station building was built between 1895 and 1905 ©2018 Regina Martins

The 4 levels of Antwerpen-Centraal train station ©2018 Regina Martins

References:

Wikipedia, Antwerpen-Centraal railway station, accessed April 2, 2018