Canfranc International Station, living history of the Aragonese Pyrenees

Canfranc International Station / Photo: Juanedc.com (Flickr)
Canfranc International Station / Photo: Juanedc.com (Flickr)

The great natural beauty that floods the province of Huesca, the Aragonese Pyrenees in generalis often highlighted by the large number of tourists that visit it every year. This is a great truth, as the historical and architectural richness that you will be able to observe is out of the ordinary, and encompasses a very significant age range.

If I had to highlight one location in the whole of Huesca, I would choose the Canfranc International Station. Its inauguration in 1928, almost a hundred years ago, marked the beginning of an era in which it has been delighting all those who visit it with a French architecture very beautiful, which has its origins in the 19th century. Although it is just one building, it combines different styles depending on where you are, as there is a great difference between all the spaces that make up this marvel. Its first floor, for example, contains a large number of canopies on columns and metal pillars, while the first floor is a work of art.

The building has been suffering from a decrease in visits since 1970 after the closure of the international traffic through France, although all the wonders of this place are still completely intact. That is why you will be able to enjoy the beauty of every detail hidden in this building in a quieter way.

After the complete closure of the entire building, it was restored and rehabilitated so that its grandeur and beauty would not be lost, obviously without changing its construction style or its internal art. The only thing that was done was to exchange some parts of the building, specifically its metal structure, for another wrought iron structure, which would allow for better conservation without the need to change the space. Slight changes were also made to its geometric architecture.

This railway station, after the desolation it suffered, reopened its doors in 2007, so that tourists from different parts of the world could get to know the great history hidden inside. Each of the destinations to which the tracks lead represent stories of connection with other cultures, and even allow for theorising with each of the destinations themselves.

The building is currently planned for a luxury hotelThe 5-star hotel, which is expected to be ready by 2021.

It is essential that you visit this marvellous station in Canfranc, as not only will you get to know a little piece of history of our country, but you will also be amazed by this architectural masterpiece and its great artistic beauty inside.