Madrid Atocha railway station
The Atocha train station ( Estación de Spanish Puerta de Atocha ) is one of two railway stations in Madrid. In contrast to the North station Chamartin Atocha is situated in the city center, in Plaza Emperador Carlos V, close to the Botanical Garden and the Museo del Prado. In addition to the long-distance and high-speed trains from the south of Spain and the regional trains stop in Atocha all S -Bahn lines ( Cercanías ) of the region as well as the Line 1 of the Metro Madrid. Atocha, making it one of the most important transportation hubs of the 3.5 million inhabitants metropolis.
Atocha was created as a railhead. The old station hall is famous for its large roof structure made of cast iron and glass, which was built in 1888-1892 in Art Nouveau style by a native of the Basque Country architect Alberto de Palacio y Elissague. Was taken south since 1992, of which the new station (architect José Rafael Moneo ) in operation, located under the vast vault of the old railway station, a tropical palm garden, which is used as a waiting hall and meeting place.
The current station is composed of two parts. The long-distance trains, including the high speed AVE train to Seville, end in turn built as a terminus station overground station part. Regional trains and S-Bahn trains use an underground through station, which is adjoined two double-track tunnel. The eastern tunnel leads from south to north, largely along the city's main axis Paseo del Prado / Paseo de Recoletos / Paseo de la Castellana through the city to the Chamartín station. This tunnel is located in Madrid vernacular often referred to as " Tunel de la risa " (tunnel of laughter ), which is due to its 34 -year planning and construction. The name was also on the 2008 inaugurated the western tunnel which leads via Puerta del Sol and Nuevos Ministerios after Chamartín, and the currently under construction in standard gauge tunnel for high -speed trains between Atocha and Chamartín.
On 11 March 2004, the station was the scene of the Madrid cable stops during the morning rush hour.
As part of the expansion of high-speed lines in Spain is a tunnel for the AVE trains link Atocha station with the Chamartín train station. Thus, the ending here high-speed lines would be connected to the road to Valladolid. Construction work on this project are currently (as of March 2011) in progress.