Estación de Atocha Attractions & Landmark
Stylishly Restored Old Railway Station
Madrid,
28012
Spain
+34 90 224 0202Transport Options:
Train Available: Atocha
Overview
Made of steel and glass, this fine old railway station building was designed by the Basque architect Ricardo Velázquez Bosco, who was also responsible for the Palacio de Cristal in Retiro Park. It has been stylishly converted into tropical gardens under glass with an elegant first-floor restaurant. There's a permanent display of sculpture in the hall that leads to the new station. In summer you can visit the popular terrace-bar that's set up outside. It was built in 1892 for the Rothschilds, who controlled the development of the railways at that time. Unfortunately, the Atocha Station was one of the locations of the 11-M terrorist attack that took place on March 11, 2004. In 2007, a big glass memorial monument was inaugurated outside of the station. This monument contains the names of all the victims and the condolence messages of Madrid's population.Open Hours
Mo to Su from 07:00 AM to 01:00 AM
Not everyone will appreciate the humidity that comes with an indoor forest and turtle pond. But shoot... a Turtle Pond!! I don't want to be the sole naysayer, but I have to say... the lineups for the bathrooms are HUGE at peak times, so, uh, go at the hotel first.
If you find yourself at the Atocha station to change trains, maybe to head out of town for the day to Toledo or Segovia, make sure to get out of the gate and Metro areas and check out the old station. It is worth a little time. Also, outside across the street is some great architecture.
... this is how the Spanish decorate their train stations! It's impressive and feels more like a tropical garden then a functional communter terminal. They've recovered well from the terrorist attack.
