The main railway station of the mesmerizing city of Antwerp in Belgium, the Antwerp Central Station, is considered the finest example of railway architecture in the country. Also known as Spoorwegkathedraal and Middenstatie, the station comprises a stone station building and a steel platform covering. The construction work for the station began in 1895 and it opened in 1905. The stone clad terminus buildings of the station, including the huge dome above the waiting rooms, were designed by Belgian architect Louis Delacenserie. He was influenced by various architectural styles, particularly that of the Rome’s Pantheon and Switzerland’s Luzern station.
Between 2000 and 2009, the iconic station was renovated and modernized to facilitate a high-speed rail line. The number of platforms was also increased and two underground levels were added. A station hall with an additional entrance was constructed in Kievitplein. Today, the station is spread over four levels with 14 tracks. The station enjoys the distinction of having being honored as the fourth greatest station in the world by Newsweek in 2009 and awarded the first rank as the world’s most beautiful railway station by Mashable in 2014.
Visitors at the Antwerp Central Station, who are waiting for arrivals, departures, or their trains, can head to the restaurants and shops located in the premises to pass their time in a charming manner.