A once abandoned railway station has undergone a staggering transformation that’s now wowing its visitors.
Canfranc International Railway Station in Spain has an absolutely fascinating history, beginning with its opening in July 1928.
At the time it was crowned the second largest station building in Europe and the enormous art nouveau structure had 300 windows.
But rather than being located in a big, bustling city centre, as it looked fit to be, it was located in a remote village location at the foot of the Spanish Pyrenees, constructed to serve as a major hub for cross-border railway traffic from Spain to France under the mountains.
The station gained notoriety as a place used for Nazis to smuggle gold. Official Nazi documents found by bus driver Jonathan Diaz confirmed that more than 86 tons of gold had passed through the station.
This was payment for Spanish tungsten, which is a metal that reinforces steel and was vital to the Nazi war effort.
In 1970 this route across the border came to an abrupt end following a train derailment that damaged a key bridge in France.
After many years, the abandoned station has now been partially converted to become a luxury hotel – Canfranc Estación.
Its website reads: “Canfranc Estación, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, 5-Star Grand Luxury, enchants its guests with a unique combination of tradition and modernity, and an exceptional location in the Aragonese Pyrenees (Huesca), in the historic Canfranc International Railway Station, inaugurated in 1928.
“All in all, it is the only Grand Luxury category hotel in Aragon. Hence, this mountain hotel, which at the same time is a monument hotel in a historic building, offers an unforgettable stay.”
It adds: “Its privileged location and the exquisite detail of its architecture are at the service of guests to truly make a difference in terms of exclusive treatment.”
Those who’ve stayed there have waxed lyrical about their experiences, taking to travel review website Tripadvisor to give their verdict.
One said: “Amazing building in a beautiful picturesque setting. Professional staff who genuinely care and appreciate the customer.”
Another impressed guest added: “During our stay at the Canfranc Estación Hotel, we were thoroughly impressed by the beautiful design that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury.
“The architecture and decor captured the essence of the hotel’s history while providing every modern comfort.”
But be warned – some say that the station is cursed. Historian and journalist Dominic Selwood said in a MailOnline piece: “There was a devastating fire in its early years, then General Franco blocked off the nearby Somport Tunnel, then the Nazis occupied it.
“Not for nothing is it called The Titanic Of The Mountains.”