Spain is a country that is rich in history and culture, with a diverse range of architectural wonders, including abandoned train stations. Once bustling with activity, these stations now stand empty and forgotten, a reminder of Spain’s railway heritage.
While they may be abandoned and forgotten, they still hold significance and tell a story of when train travel played a vital role in Spain’s development.
Estación Internacional de Canfranc
Located in the Pyrenees Mountains, the Estación Internacional de Canfranc was once the largest train station in Europe. Estación Internacional de Canfranc was built in 1928 and was designed to connect France and Spain, but its grandeur and scale were too expensive.
The station’s decline began in 1970 when a train derailment damaged the international bridge connecting France and Spain, leading to the closure of the French side. The station eventually closed in 1970, and since then, it has remained abandoned.
Estación de Abando, Bilbao
Estación de Abando, located in Bilbao, was once a bustling train station that served as the gateway to the Basque Country. The station was built in 1949, in a significant hub for train travel in northern Spain, with trains arriving and departing from all over the country.
In the 1990s, the station’s role was diminished with the opening of a new high-speed rail station nearby, and it closed its doors in 2011. The station has remained abandoned since then, with its impressive art deco facade slowly decaying.
Estación de Delicias, Madrid
Estación de Delicias in Madrid was once the primary station for trains departing from the capital to southern Spain. Built in 1880, the station was a significant architectural achievement, with its iron and glass structure being one of the first of its kind.
As Madrid’s railway network expanded, the station’s role diminished, and it closed in 1969. In 1981, the station was repurposed as a railway museum, showcasing the history and development of Spain’s railway system.
Estación de Benalúa, Alicante
The Estación de Benalúa in Alicante was once a thriving station, serving as the primary connection between the city and the surrounding countryside. This station was built in 1858 and played a significant role in the region’s growth, with trains arriving and departing from all over Spain.
However, as the region’s population grew, the station’s role diminished, closing in 1970. Since then, the station has remained abandoned, with its grand facade now a popular location for photographers and artists.
Estación de San Jerónimo, Granada
The Estación de San Jerónimo in Granada was once a crucial station for the city, serving as the primary connection between Granada and the surrounding countryside. Built in 1876, the station was a significant architectural achievement, with its impressive neoclassical facade and ornate details.
However, as the city’s railway network expanded, the station’s role diminished and closed in 1972. Since then, the station has remained abandoned, with its grand facade slowly crumbling.