Antwerp is a port city that got rich on ships, diamonds, and showing off — and then built a train station to match. Locals call Antwerpen-Centraal the Railway Cathedral, which is not marketing. Opened in 1905 and designed by Louis Delacenserie, it is a stone-and-marble pile with a dome that borrowed from the Roman Pantheon, a glass hall tall enough to swallow steam-engine smoke, and enough gold leaf to make a king nervous. For a century trains had to come in and back out. Since 2007 they dive under the old hall and keep going. Newsweek and the rest keep putting it on “most beautiful stations” lists. Fair. You walk in thinking you missed your platform and found a palace instead.
Ok, but for me, I have to say I was a bit nervous when Teena said “I’m taking you to the train station!” (only get it if you’ve seen Yellowstone). It was truly amazing.
I’ve been in a few but this great call is exceptional!
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