The Estación del Norte is Valencia’s main railway station. In addition to its transport function, it has become a tourist attraction for anyone visiting the city.
It is a monumental station in the modernist style. It was inaugurated in 1917 and was built by Demetrio Ribes. It is notable for its influence of the Viennese style, specifically that of Otto Wagner in his Sezession building, and above all for its rich ornamentation.
The building has a rectangular ground plan and is clearly separated into two areas: the hangar (with a rectangular ground plan and articulated arches of laminated steel) and the passengers’ building (U-shaped with independent pillars).
It was built using materials introduced at the end of the previous century. The station has three building sections, each with a turret-shaped tower. The main façade is a real eye-catcher due to its decoration of oranges, orange blossom flowers, etc., all inspired by Valencian agriculture.
The interior is also up to par, its decoration was carried out with glazed ceramics, the trancadís technique and different mosaics. And for the more observant… the skirting boards of each door or window are made of wood and the highest ones have “bon voyage” written on them in many languages.
