Large main train stations with their halls are also referred to as the 19th century cathedrals. In that century, railway construction boomed on almost every continent. Magnificent buildings were created that symbolize mobile progress and the dawn of the industrial age.
Today we can look back on a nearly 200-year chapter in architectural history that is not only dedicated to railway buildings. There are not only the glazed iron constructions, such as Leipzig Central Station, which was renovated in an exemplary manner after reunification, transparent crossing stations such as Berlin Central Station, but also small stops in the provinces, about which the Austrian writer Karl Kraus said so aptly: “Small stations are proud of it that the express trains have to pass them.”
A book has been published by Geramond Verlag in Munich, whichTrain Stations of the World: Spectacular mainline stations and amazing provincial stations“, so the title, gathered.
On 192 pages of the book, the author Martin Weltner, who worked as an editor for “Eisenbahn Magazin” and “Eisenbahn Kurier” for a long time, undertakes a trip around the world to the most beautiful, weird and remote train stations from Europe to Africa, Asia and Australia to North and South America .
In addition to some historical photos, the illustrated book shows the world of railway stations, especially today. Frequent aerial photos give readers a better overview of how the building complexes and rail lines are intertwined with the cities.
But beware: This book awakens wanderlust and makes you want to travel by train. As Joseph Roth, a contemporary of Karl Kraus, wrote: “I could sit at home for years and be content. If only it weren’t for the train stations.”
Also read:
– Geisterbahnhöfe in Germany: Where no train comes anymore
– Fichtelbergbahn in the Ore Mountains: Full steam ahead through the winter wonderland
– Canfranc in the Pyrenees: This Spanish ghost station awakens from its slumber
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