Botanical Garden at the Atocha Train Station in Madrid
At the entrance to the station, you do not expect to see a winter garden framed by glass and metal structures here. The former railway station building received a second life with the launch of a high-speed train (AVE) and the placement of a winter garden within its walls.
Atocha Railway Station is the largest in Madrid and the only one of its kind in the world. What makes it special is a tropical garden with an area of 4000 sq. m, located right under the arched arches of the station.
The station building in which this oasis is located dates back to 1851, when Atocha was just opened. The oldest Madrid train station is named after the Atocha City Gate, demolished in 1851. It is noteworthy that the Spaniards call the word "atocha" a low-growing shrub that blooms with small bright yellow flowers.
The station was partially destroyed in a fire in 1892 and after several upgrades, the last of which took place in 1992, the original building was removed from service and turned into a covered square with shops, cafes and a nightclub. And also a magical botanical garden.
On the ground floor of Atocha Station, under a huge light dome, there is a large tropical garden where passengers can have a good time waiting for the train. Restaurants, cafes and shops are also open here.
The garden is decorated with more than 7000 plants of 260 different species. There is a pond with 22 species of fish and turtles.
In summer, when the dry heat of Madrid penetrates through the glass roof of the station, hundreds of tiny sprinklers evaporate steam, giving this place the image of a real jungle.