All buildings have a history and the railway station that is often referred to as the “most beautiful in Portugal” and “one of the most beautiful in Europe” does not escape the rule. Located in the historic center of one of the main Portuguese cities, this station is much more than a simple train terminal, as well as a tourist and cultural icon of the city where it is.
One of the busiest terminals in Portugal
Writes Forever Young, which “the incredible São Bento trains terminal is located in Porto and is one of the busiest in Portugal. With more than a century of history, his tiles make him one of the most beautiful in Europe.” Every year, thousands of visitors cross their atrium, many of them just to admire their impressive decoration.
The most distinctive element of St. Bento Station is undoubtedly the set of over 22,000 hand -painted tiles, which line the main atrium. These pieces of art occupy about 550 square meters and were designed to illustrate historical episodes and traditional Portuguese scenes.
Older tiles than the building
Interestingly, the tile panels began to be installed in 1905, and are therefore older than the building we know today. The authorship is by Jorge Colaço, one of the most important Portuguese tile artists from the early twentieth century.
Before becoming a railway station, the place was occupied by the Convent of São Bento de Avé Maria. After a fire that destroyed part of the convent, it was decided to give a new use to the space, taking advantage of its strategic location within the city.
The construction works of the station began in 1903, under the trait of architect José Marques da Silva, and the official inauguration took place in 1916. Still, the first train to cross São Bento spent a few years earlier, in a context of experimental phase.
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French influences and Portuguese soul
The architecture of the building reflects French influences, with those who compare their grandeur to the Paris Opera. However, the soul of space remains deeply rooted in the Portuguese tradition, visible in both the use of granite and the nationalist theme of tiles.
Jorge Colaço’s panels narrate episodes such as the conquest of Ceuta, the entrance of D. João I in Porto or the daily life in the countryside, all in shades of blue and white. “They are older than the building itself, as they began to be built in 1905,” says the same publication.
A new space: Time Out Market Porto
In May 2024, São Bento station came new with the inauguration of the Out Market Porto team in the South Wing. This modern space, designed by architect Eduardo Souto Moura, Integral Restaurants, Bars, Shops and a Proof Room, in a renewal that respected the original spirit of the building.
“It’s increasingly incredible,” a visitor told statements, reflecting the opinion of many who see the station an example of rehabilitation of historical heritage coupled with modernity.
Conservation and maintenance works
The station also suffered conservation interventions in 2020, which included the recovery of the atrium ceiling, the modernization of the lighting system and the installation of measures for protection against pigeons, thus preserving the integrity of space for future generations.
São Bento’s clock also received attention
The famous station clock, a point of reference for those who embark and disembark, has also been restoring, ensuring that passengers can continue to trust their time to catch the trains towards destinations, such as Guimarães, Braga or Viana do Castelo.
Saint Benedict is thus much more than a starting point: it is a place where history, art and architecture intersect, offering all who visit an unforgettable trip, even before entering a train.
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