This is my first blog and spotlights four pivotal stations within the Belgian rail network.
By Ünal Bilir
Renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava Valls once expressed that “a railway station is something that can generate a city.” Indeed, railway stations transcend their role as mere transit points; they dynamically shape and influence their surroundings, breathing life into the landscapes they inhabit. More than just converging railroads, these stations are crossroads of lives, where people share moments of affection and anticipation, and unfortunately, where pickpockets seek their opportunities. In essence, railway stations stand as both conduits and mirrors of life.
My first blog post spotlights four pivotal stations within the Belgian rail network, each playing a central role in national and European public transport. Beyond being crucial hubs for sustainable mobility, these stations possess symbolic allure and historical significance, thanks to their distinctive architecture. Let’s take a closer look.
Brussels-Central
Despite its smaller size with six tracks, Brussels-Central handles up to 150,000 passengers daily. Completed in 1952 and renovated between 2004 and 2010, it not only serves as a central hub for Brussels’ public transportation but is also a favorite destination for tourists and travelers.
This station at the heart of Brussels was completed in 1952 according to plans of architect Victor Horta by an architectural team led by Maxime Brunfaut.
Ghent-Sint-Pieters
Ghent Sint-Pieters railway station, designed by architect Louis Cloquet and completed in 1912, is currently undergoing expansion and modernization until 2026. This station serves as a vital lifeline for thousands of workers and students in East Flanders. The first renovation of the station was done in 1996.
Liège-Guillemins
Liège-Guillemins is the modern face of the Belgian railway network, designed by Santiago Calatrava. With its postmodern aesthetic and high-speed rail capabilities, it plays a vital role in sustainable transport, accommodating around 15,000 passengers daily.
Antwerp-Central
Awarded as one of the most beautiful train stations globally, Antwerp-Central, designed by Louis Delacenserie and completed in 1905, is a prestigious monument of Belgian railway architecture. Renovated in 1986 and expanded in 2007, it not only serves travelers but also attracts tourists and admirers of architectural masterpieces.
The station was awarded a Grand Prix at the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards in 2011.
Antwerpen-Central railway station is not only used by travelers but also numerous tourists, architecture lovers and school groups visit and admire this architectural masterpiece.
Sources: Wikipedia, NMBS/SNCB. Special thanks to NMBS/SNCB for granting permission to capture these images and for their on-site support.
© 2026 Ünal Bilir | All rights reserved.