5 emblematic Madrid Metro Stations
This weekend I have stayed in Madrid and I got to know the emblematic stations of the Madrid Metro. I have been living in Madrid for quite a few years, and I am still surprised by the many activities you can do and also for free or almost free.
Take note, as this activity is perfect for any time of the year since it takes place indoors.
I often use the subway for my trips around the city, but I always move through the same stations. So, this time I wanted to get to know its iconic stations, and I went sightseeing.
Some Context
The Metro in Madrid has been working over the last for 100 years, however, it treasures hidden secrets. Inaugurated in 1919 by Alfonso XIII, in that year the network began with 3.5 km, with only one line, North-South between Sol and Cuatro Caminos. Now the network comprises 12 lines, 38 stations and almost 30 kilometers.
Itinerary
I suggest this itinerary, which was the one I did in order to optimize the stops and keep an “order” in the visit.
1. Sol Station
I started the visit at Sol Station, where some remarkable murals explain the history of the Madrid’s Metro. As a curiosity, for its construction oxen were used to move the materials of its line 1. In addition, it also shows the designs of the different stations of 1919, their ticket offices, tickets and ads for the period.
It also informs you of the role played by the Metro during the Civil War (1936-1939), providing shelter while bombs were falling on Madrid.
2. Alto Arenal Station
Then, I continued along line 1, “Alto Arenal” station, where I found 2 amazing gems: a 1928 Metro car that ran on the old Metro Line 1, with a maximum speed of 55 km/h and the streetcar number 477, which covered the route between Puerta de Sol and Serrano.
3. Opera Station
I took several photos of this charming car and after that, I moved to the “Opera” station, lines 2 and 5, where the archaeological remains of the Amaniel aqueduct, built in the XVII century, are located. This aqueduct was important because it carried water from the Dehesa de Amaniel and supplied water both to the population of the area and to the Royal Palace.
4. Carpetana Station
Then, I switched to line 6, to the “Carpetana” stop, in order to see a life-size exhibit of a mastodon.
To my surprise, I learned that 14 million years ago this area of Madrid was a tropical swamp. During the extension works carried out in 2008, about 1,500 animal and plant remains were found.
A small museum displays some of these findings: several primitive wild boar, rhinoceros, bear-wolf, bear-dog and feline jaws.
In addition, a massive mural recreates what giant tortoises, bear-dogs, bear-wolves, wild boars and the flora of the Paleo-environment in Madrid used to be like. A most unexpected and cultural visit!
5. Platform 0 – Chamberí Station
Last but not least, I finished the route with what I assumed would be the highlight of sightseeing: the Chamberí “Ghost” Station. And I loved it. I found it really interesting.
At present, this station is no longer in use, which means the trains do not stop there, but you can visit it and feels like a museum.
It is located on line 1, between the stations “Bilbao” or “Iglesia”. The station was closed to the public in 1966 for structural reasons. Because of the increase in passengers it became necessary to lengthen the platforms from 60 to 90 meters, but as the station is on a curve, it was technically impossible to extend them.
The station’s interior remains anchored in the past, as frozen in time. It preserves the original elements in place from 50 years ago, the ticket offices, vaults, ads on the walls and furniture… Besides, it features a number of amusing legends.
- Opening hours:
Thursdays: from 10 am to 1 pm; Friday from 11 am to 7 pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm. - Admission is free.
- Access by Plaza de Chamberí, s/n.
- Metro: Alonso Martínez (L4, L5, L10), Bilbao (L1, L4), Iglesia (L1), Quevedo (L2), Rubén Darío (L5)
Madrid Metro emblematic stations, my final thoughts
The Madrid Metro offers many more worthwhile spots and emblematic stations along its network, but for this occasion, these are the ones I have chosen. Good to know: you can cover the entire route in one go, for the price of a single metro ticket: 2 euros.
I share with you the Madrid Metro map for you to place the stations. So, are you up for this route?
Let me know in the comments.
I hope that this article has inspired you to spend some time visiting these iconic stations.
In other news, perhaps you might be interested in other getaways in Spain from the blog to spark some inspiration for your next destination.
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