Discover the history of the most historic railway complex in the city of Lisbon.
At the beginning of the 19th century, traveling to Lisbon was difficult due to congested traffic and the slowness of local ships. To solve the problem, José Bernardo da Costa Cabral proposed a national railway network and, in 1844, founded the Companhia das Obras Públicas de Portugal.
The plan envisioned a large central station in Lisbon, interconnecting trains and ships.
A CP 2-6-4T on the quay at Santa Apolonia station, Lisboa 1956.
The dispute over its location was resolved with the choice of the former Convent of Santa Apolónia, on the banks of the Tagus. The government officially approved the project in 1854, linked to the construction of the Eastern Line. However, the station was not ready at the time of the railway’s inauguration in 1856, which led to the creation of a temporary depot in the city center.
Construction only began in 1862, with local labor and the support of a chief engineer. The architect Angel Arribas Ugarte designed the station in a U-shaped neoclassical style. The building was praised for its grandeur even before it was completed.
This image was originally published in Archivo Pittoresco, no. 1, year 9, 1866, and digitized by the Lisbon Municipal Hemeroteca.
Inaugurated in 1865, Santa Apolónia Station quickly became one of Lisbon’s great hubs, linking the city to the Iberian Peninsula. Over the following decades, it grew alongside the capital, expanding in several stages.
In the 21st century, its history entered a new chapter with the transformation of the south wing into the elegant five-star The Editory Riverside Santa Apolónia hotel. Opened in 2022, the hotel preserves the memory of the station while offering 126 exceptional rooms and the refined Impulso Restaurante, establishing itself as an icon of hospitality and heritage in the heart of Lisbon.
Lisbon's ancient origins, though somewhat mysterious, can be traced back to the Iron Age. Recent archaeological findings indicate Phoenician presence dating back to the 12th century B.C., suggesting it began as a trading post known as "Olisipo." It later grew into the Roman city of "Felicitas Julia," becoming a vital stronghold for the Roman Empire. After the fall of Rome, it passed through various rulers, ultimately falling to the Moors who fortified the city. In 1147, during the Second Crusade, King Afonso I successfully captured Lisbon, marking its transformation into a key commercial center. It later became the capital of Portugal under King Afonso III. Lisbon flourished through royal investments and urban development, culminating in a renaissance by the 16th century, fueled by riches from distant colonies. A devastating earthquake in 1755 led to a swift reconstruction effort, adopting the elegant Pombalino Baroque style. Despite periods of adversity, Lisbon's growth continued, exemplified by the grand Avenida de Liberdade. Today, it stands as a renowned European metropolis, drawing visitors with its UNESCO-recognized historic sites.
The Editory Riverside Apolónia showcases impressive Classical Revival-style architecture, also known as Neoclassical architecture, which is widely recognized globally. Originating in Paris in the late 18th century, this style emerged from French architects who drew inspiration from earlier Baroque designs before adopting Greco-Roman elements. It gained popularity and spread to countries like Germany, Spain, and Great Britain. Characterized by formal and symmetrical design elements, such as aligned doors and windows, a front porch with a classical pediment, and a rounded portico with a balustraded roof, Classical Revival architecture often incorporates pilasters and ornate sculptural details on the façade. Notably, buildings in this style feature imposing columns with Corinthian, Doric, or Ionic capitals, reminiscent of Greco-Roman temples. Initially favored for municipal structures like courthouses, libraries, and schools, it later extended to commercial buildings including banks, department stores, and hotels. This architectural style remains prevalent in major cities worldwide, serving as a go-to choice for both new constructions and the restoration of historic buildings, solidifying its status as one of the most pervasive architectural styles globally.
Night Train to Lisbon (2013)
