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ANTWERP CENTRAL STATION

 As deep as I can peep into my past, I always sense very fond and nostalgic memories of railway stations. So many moments of  childhood began and ended in railway stations. My love for railway stations continues and whenever I get a chance I don't miss a visit into a station to experience the magical energy of the mixed sound of thousands of  fast moving footsteps and eager voices.

European settings provide infinite moments to any traveler. Antwerp is no exception too. Like any other  European city with a strong medieval connect, Antwerp owns its history and legends. While it may take pages to write about Antwerp, let me restrict this post to the first landmark of Antwerp, its getaway - its very own train station, the Antwerp Central, located in Koningin Astreidplein, in the heart of the city.  

The brainchild of King Leopold II and designed by Louis Delacenserie, Antwerp Central, with its stone clad structure and huge dome, has seen its days of glory and destruction alike. A relatively new entrant to the list of Antwerp's architectural elites, the young station was hardly forty years old when it witnessed the brutality of the rockets of World War II. Luckily, it survived with post war repairs. But, into the second half of the last century, the station went through further deterioration and demolition scare following which major restoration works reshaped back the station with new layers of underground rail lines. 


Ever since, the station has catered to the locals and tourists alike. Used widely as a setting in different novels and movies, the Antwerp Central is rated among one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Another name of the Antwerp Central is Spoorwegkathedral (which means Cathedral of the Stations). And not to forget, the hundreds of Jewelries and Diamond stores all around the Station which adds to the dazzle.

While I was experiencing this station, I did remember, that back home, in Mumbai, there is another station, a UNESCO world heritage structure, the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Just that, its too busy to stop back for a while and appreciate how strikingly beautiful it is...

 A video of the Antwerp Central -



This post is for alphabet ‘A’ of the #BlogchatterA2Z 2020 challenge:
 A for Antwerp

Comments

  1. Backpack & ExploreMarch 31, 2020 at 1:25 PM

    Thanks for refreshing my memories of Antwerp. Yes, Antwerp Central Station is hard to forget. They call it Railway cathedral, just for how beautiful it is. What a stunning piece of architecture

    ReplyDelete
  2. Surbhi prapannaMarch 31, 2020 at 3:10 PM

    wow this station is looking amazing with great infrastructure. looking forward for next posts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SabyasachiApril 2, 2020 at 1:05 PM

      Hi Surbhi, many thanks for your comment. Encouraging !!!

      Delete
  3. A Lady LawyerMarch 31, 2020 at 8:38 PM

    I have been to Antwerp as a child but don’t have memories of the station, though I probably visited it. Lovely post.
    www.nooranandchawla.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Balaka BasuApril 1, 2020 at 12:40 AM

    Antwerp is indeed a beautiful station. I think most European stations have great architecture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SabyasachiApril 2, 2020 at 1:07 PM

      Yes Balaka, the medieval architecture in Europe is beautiful

      Delete
  5. ArchanaApril 1, 2020 at 4:48 AM

    Wow! This is a really lovely structure that has obviously been looked after by the authorities and people of Antwerp! I havent visited this city. .Thanks for the e-visit!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mayura AmarkantApril 1, 2020 at 8:20 AM


    Very interesting post, I learned a lot about Antwerp from your post. Looking forward to walking the #BlogchatterA2Z journey with you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tomichan MatheikalApril 1, 2020 at 8:56 AM

    Even rail stations can be beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  8. vesseysApril 1, 2020 at 12:12 PM

    They really can be beautiful places to enjoy. This station is lovely. Thanks for sharing.
    Stay well and safe
    ~Moonie
    http://moondustwriter.com/2020/04/01/alzheimers-and-old-butcher-knives-short-story-atozchallenge

    ReplyDelete
  9. Weekends in MaineApril 1, 2020 at 6:39 PM

    What a beautiful train station. I love the energy of airports and train terminals too. Weekends In Maine

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dr Genevive AngelaApril 2, 2020 at 12:17 AM

    Amazing, what a pleasure to travel, loved this place, have not visited. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SabyasachiApril 2, 2020 at 1:11 PM

      Hi Genevive, thanks for visiting my blog and for the encouraging words !!!

      Delete

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