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Estacion de Atocha Review

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Estación de Atocha

  • Address: Paseo de Atocha s/n, Retiro, Madrid | Map It
  • Phone: 91/420-9875
Write a review | Avg. member rating: 4.4/5

Fodor's Review:

A steel-and-glass hangar, Madrid's main railroad station was built in the late 19th century by Alberto Palacio Elissague, the architect who became famous for his work with Ricardo Velázquez in the creation of the Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) in Madrid's Retiro Park. Closed for years, and nearly torn down, Atocha was restored and refurbished by Spain's internationally acclaimed architect Rafael Moneo.

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by kcaJ from Atlanta on 10/29/09
Immediately across the street from the Sofia, Atocha is pleasantly typical of European train terminals; a beautiful display of iron-work and glass.

The old-main hall is now home to numerous cafes, temporary exhibits or expositions, and a large jungle-like landscape complete with hundreds of turtles! These little critters have a near universal calming effect on young and old (especially harried travelers).

Atocha was attacked with multiple bombs by punkass terrorists in 2004. An appropriately somber memorial to the lost and the injured is on-site. This blue, low ceiling room has a large, glass tower/sunroof on which statements about the attack are etched.

Member Rating: 4.4
Ratings details: Experience: 4.0 Ease: 5.0 Value: 5.0 Don't Miss: 4.0
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