Canfranc International Railway Station, in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, is a place steeped in history and mysticism. Inaugurated on 18 July 1928, this monumental work was conceived as a key point of connection between Spain and France. Its grandiose structure, 241 metres long and with 365 windows, makes it an architectural jewel of the 20th century, reflecting the ambition and desire for modernisation of the time.
An Engineering Challenge
The construction of the station was an engineering challenge. Situated 1,200 metres above sea level, Canfranc station is witness to an imposing mountainous landscape. It was designed to be the second largest railway building in Europe, second only to Leipzig station. This colossal infrastructure included not only platforms and tracks but also a series of ancillary buildings, such as hotels, customs offices and housing for railway employees.
Second World War and its Crucial Role
During the Second World War, Canfranc played a crucial role in the resistance against Nazism. Thousands of Jews and French resistance fighters found an escape route to Spain on its platforms. The station was also an important smuggling point for wolframite, a crucial mineral for the Nazi arms industry, which was exchanged for gold from Switzerland. This double life of Canfranc, as a lifeline for many and as a clandestine corridor, has given it a special place in Europe’s historical memory.
Decline and Abandonment
Despite its importance, the station suffered a tragic decline. In 1970, an accident on the French side of the line caused the collapse of the L’Estanguet bridge, leading to the closure of the international section and the gradual decline of Canfranc. The majesty of the building contrasted with its growing state of abandonment, becoming a shadow of its former glory days.
Renaissance and Renewal
Canfranc is currently undergoing a new stage of renaissance. Several rehabilitation projects have been launched to restore its splendour and reactivate the international railway connection. The station has been renovated to house a luxury hotel and an interpretation centre, attracting tourists and railway history lovers from all over the world. In addition, efforts are underway to re-establish the railway line that will once again connect Spain with France via this emblematic station.
Living testimony to history
Canfranc station is not just a point on the railway map. It is a living testimony to history, with anecdotes that speak of bravery and tragedy and curiosities that reflect its complexity. Its revival is an example of how historic monuments can adapt and find a new purpose in the modern world without losing the essence of their past. For those who love trains and history, Canfranc remains a must on a journey down the memory of Europe.
