The magnificent tiles in the railway station

13/02/2024

The São Bento Railway Station in Porto, Portugal, has a rich history and is renowned for its stunning azulejo tile panels. 

The station was opened to the public in 1916, although the construction of the building's hall was completed twenty years later. The station is located in the Historic Centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a National Monument of Portugal. The main hall of the station is adorned with over 20,000 azulejo tiles that reflect the history of Portugal, making it a must-see attraction for visitors. The station was built on the site of a former Benedictine monastery, and its construction was based on plans by architect José Marques da Silva. The blue and white azulejo tiles, which were placed over a period of 11 years by artist Jorge Colaço, depict scenes of important moments in Portuguese history, contributing to the station's cultural and historical significance.