Tucked away in the village of Canfranc in the Spanish Pyrenees is a grand structure that used to be a railway terminal. The railway station’s location near the French border made it a grand hub for cross-border travel. Those around it called it “The Titanic of the Mountains” due to its size and architectural elegance.
Although the Canfranc International was abandoned, it was later restored and flipped into a luxury hotel. This article delves deeper into the story of Canfranc International Railway Station, highlighting its history, the reasons it was abandoned, the story of how it became a hotel, and what has become of it after all those years.
History of Canfranc International Railway Station
Canfranc International Railway Station was started as an ambitious project to strengthen the economic and political relations between Spain and France. The demand for a third border crossing point due to increased cross-border traffic further validated its need for existence.
It was decided that the facility would be built at Los Arañones, an undeveloped stretch of land near the village of Canfranc. Although the station’s construction commenced in 1923, taking five long years, construction of the Somport tunnel began in 1912 and continued through the First World War.
Fernando Ramirez de Dampierre, a renowned Spanish engineer, headed the project. Like many others at the time, the venture faced many engineering challenges. Key among them was rugged terrain, towering peaks, and diverse landscapes of the Pyrenees Mountain Range. Despite all these, the station was completed and was finally opened on July 18, 1928.
The building featured a Beaux-Arts style on a grand scale, with 365 windows, 150 doors, and a massive glass roof. It measured 240 meters (787 feet) long, making it one of Europe’s largest and most impressive railway infrastructures.
Canfranc International Railway Station had a hotel, hospital, and underground tunnels that helped with border control. The railway line passed through the Somport tunnel that connected Zaragoza, Spain, to Pau, France. This made Canfranc a significant hub and an international hotspot for trade and travel.
Unfortunately, in 1944, a fire ravaged most of the infrastructure in Canfranc, forcing people to move to Los Arañones. Eventually, it was renamed from Los Arañones to Canfranc. Also, about 3 years after the grand opening, the station experienced a major fire that caused extensive damage that was costly to repair.
Canfranc International Railway Station’s Role in Wars
During the Spanish Civil War, it was decided that the tunnels on Spain’s side would be sealed to prevent arms dealing. Despite that, the station had to stay operational due to the convention under which it was built.
During World War II, Canfranc became a hotspot for crimes like espionage and smuggling. After the Nazis occupied France, the station fell under the German regime. They used the railway as their means of transport. It was also a channel for the stolen gold, which they exchanged for tungsten, a crucial metal for manufacturing weapons.
At the same time, resistance fighters, spies, and refugees used the same station to escape. This did not go unnoticed by the Nazis as they often saw to it that passengers of interest didn’t leave.
After the wars, railway traffic continued and returned to normal levels amid political tension and economic challenges. However, this was short-lived as the facility became chronically underfunded, leading to several safety incidents.
Why Was Canfranc International Railway Station Abandoned?
In March 1970, a train derailment on the French territory destroyed the L’Estanguet bridge near Accous on the French side of the Pyrenees. This immediately cut the connection between Canfranc and France. The French government decided against repairing it, effectively shutting down the international railway service.
After that, Canfranc only served local trains from Spain. Even so, without proper maintenance, the once grand station fell into disrepair. Its halls, once buzzing with travelers, became empty and deserted. Over the decades, it became a ghost station that attracted scores of urban explorers, photographers, and history enthusiasts who marveled at its haunting beauty.
What Happened After the Canfranc International Railway Station Was Abandoned?
Canfranc International Railway Station experienced a major decline and neglect due to reduced services. It was only open for the two daily local passenger trains and sometimes freight.
This resulted in a large portion of the site becoming derelict over the decades. In the 2000s, Canfranc International Railway Station was declared a Site of Cultural Interest.
Years after it was abandoned, Canfranc underwent a stunning makeover. Spain’s Aragón regional government took ownership of the station in 2013 and got to work.
The plan was to renovate the existing railway station building for use as a hotel. Then, a new station would be built in what used to be freight halls to take its place with its entry via the hotel’s vestibule. The rail tracks were removed, and roads and parks were built where they used to be.
In 2023, the Canfranc Estación, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, opened. The train station’s original ticket counters, iron beams, and chandeliers have been carefully preserved. In addition, a small museum tells the story of Canfranc International Railway Station.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to reopen the international railway line between Canfranc and Pau. Both Spain and France are investing in the infrastructural improvements required. In February 2020, the European Union funded the international line’s relaunch and the station’s rehabilitation.
The goal is to restore fully the trans-Pyrenean railway service. This will help Canfranc realize its role as a prominent rail link between the two territories for the second time.
Can You Visit Canfranc International Railway Station?
Canfranc International Railway Station is open to visitors, allowing you to see its renewed splendor. The Canfranc Estación, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, which has been operational since 2023, offers the opportunity to spend the night in the former station.
Many original features remain, and the ticket hall has become the hotel’s reception. The station also has luxurious hotel rooms, gourmet dining, and a museum showcasing its history.
If you’re not looking to stay in the hotel, you can take a guided tour of the station to learn about its history, from its opening in high fashion to its utilization in World War II and its years of disrepair. Tours include visits to restored areas and historical exhibits.
Canfranc is located in the Pyrenees and is, therefore, an ideal location for hiking, nature walks, and landscape photography. The town itself is also charming, with historic buildings and mountain vistas.
Even though international service hasn’t resumed yet, you can take a Renfe train from Zaragoza to Canfranc, a scenic mountain ride. At some point, they are also planning to connect Canfranc with Pau, France again, making it an even more fascinating place to visit.