Old Muge Train Station

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Santarém > Salvaterra de Magos > Muge > Sítio da Estação

Location

The Old Muge Railway Station is located at the Station Site (Sítio da Estação), an area on the periphery of the town of Muge, within the municipality of Salvaterra de Magos. Situated approximately two kilometres from the town centre, this more secluded position lends it a tranquil and serene atmosphere, inviting a calm observation of the surrounding landscape.

A Railway Legacy

Inaugurated on January 15, 1904, Muge Station was a pivotal point on the Vendas Novas Line, an essential communication route for the region in the early 20th century. Built by the Royal Portuguese Railways Company, its existence marked a period of expansion of the national railway network. The location was not merely a transit point for passenger and freight trains; it also served as an interface for stagecoach services that connected Muge to other nearby localities, such as Salvaterra de Magos and Benavente, underscoring its importance as a mobility hub.

The station underwent significant repairs over the years, maintaining its historical continuity. Although it no longer provides passenger service, its presence continues to evoke the memory of a time when the train shaped daily life and the local economy, offering a window into the history of transport in Portugal.

Architecture and Environment

The old station building showcases the functional and characteristic architecture of railway constructions of its time. Positioned on the northeast side of the old tracks, its simple yet robust design invites imagination. The platforms and the alignment of the old circulation lines are visible elements that transport the visitor back to the hustle and bustle of other times, when trains and passengers brought this space to life.

The simplicity of its forms and its integration into the surrounding environment make it a place of interest for those who appreciate industrial heritage and local history. The Old Muge Railway Station offers an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the railway on the landscape and the life of the Ribatejo communities.

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