São Bento Railway Station
José Marques da Silva · Porto, Portugal · 1916
São Bento Railway Station makes arrival in central Porto a distinct architectural event. José Marques da Silva designed the terminal with a composed civic exterior, while the entrance hall is lined with extensive azulejo panels by Jorge Colaço. Opened in 1916, the station connects the everyday movement of passengers with images of Portuguese history and regional life. The contrast between the decorated concourse and the more utilitarian train shed reveals two different faces of transport architecture. Spend time at the thresholds between street, tiled hall and platforms to understand how the building organizes this progression. Visiting: The tiled public concourse is free. Train travel requires the appropriate transport ticket.