Lisbon Rossio Train Station

Category: Civil Architecture > Railway Station

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Santa Justa

Location

Situated in the heart of Lisbon, this remarkable railway station is strategically positioned between the bustling squares of Rossio and Restauradores. Its peculiar design is distinguished by the way it adapts to the city's topography, allowing access at different levels. It is possible to access the building from both the lower streets of the city center and via a higher connection through Calçada do Carmo, next to Largo Duque de Cadaval. This uniqueness makes it a striking example of Portuguese railway architecture and engineering.

A Work of Art and Engineering

Inaugurated in 1890, Rossio Station is one of the most beautiful examples of the Neo-Manueline style in Lisbon, a creation of the architect José Luís Monteiro. Its ornamented facade, with arches and details that evoke the Age of Discoveries, is an impressive sight in itself. Inside, the grand nave of the station, covered by an iron and glass structure, demonstrates the capability of 19th-century engineering. Since 1971, the building has been classified as a Property of Public Interest, an acknowledgment of its undeniable patrimonial importance.

Marks of a Long History

Originally known as "Lisbon Central Station," Rossio was built with the ambitious purpose of connecting the city center to the national railway network. To overcome geographical challenges, a remarkable engineering feat, the Rossio Tunnel, was built, essential for train access. For decades, the station served as a departure point for important connections, including international trains. A landmark moment in its history was the assassination of Sidónio Pais in 1918, an event that made it the stage for a central episode in Portuguese political history. Over time, Rossio Station adapted, transforming into the main terminal for suburban trains connecting the heart of Lisbon to the city of Sintra.

Artistic Details and Recognition

Beyond its imposing architecture, Rossio Station holds valuable artistic elements. Inside, beautiful tile panels can be observed: on one side, works by Lucien Donnat and Rogério Amaral depicting Portuguese products, and on the other, more recent panels by Lima de Freitas, inspired by myths and legends of Lisbon. The historic "King's Room," where monarchs awaited their departures, is another of its distinctive spaces. In 2016, the statue of King D. Sebastião, which adorned a niche on the facade since its inauguration, was damaged, but a replica was placed in its stead, while the original is safeguarded in the lower atrium. The beauty and uniqueness of Rossio Station have been internationally recognized, having been highlighted in various publications as one of the most notable train stations in the world.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt