Back in the day, Canfranc was Europe’s grandest train station, showcasing stunning art nouveau architecture and serving as a vital link between France and Spain. During World War II, it played a role in aiding fleeing Jews, yet sadly, it fell into Nazi hands, becoming a conduit for stolen gold and a getaway for war criminals post-war. Then, in 1970, disaster struck when a train accident left the station nearly deserted.
But beneath the surface, hidden from view, scientists persisted. Despite the station’s decline, Spanish physicists quietly carried out research in the Canfranc Underground Astroparticle Laboratory.
Originally opened with much fanfare in 1928, Canfranc was designed to be a bustling cross-border hub. However, the train accident of 1970 dealt a severe blow, causing its gradual decline. For over fifty years, it languished with minimal services, falling into disrepair.
Now, there’s hope for revival. The regional government has plans to breathe new life into the station, envisioning a revived international line. Redevelopment is underway, with the historic building slated to become a hotel, and a modern facility will take the place of the old freight area. Funding for this ambitious project was secured in February 2020.
Back in the 1800s, there were two primary border crossings connecting France and Spain. However, even before the turn of the century, it became evident that these crossings couldn’t accommodate the increasing number of people passing between the two countries. There arose a need for a third crossing.
The projected cost for this new crossing was approximately 3.2 million pesetas, which, when adjusted for inflation, equates to around €20,000 in today’s currency. Additionally, there was an estimated expenditure of over 1.2 million pesetas allocated for items such as access points and docks.
Spanish officials envisioned a magnificent station that would showcase the country’s engineering prowess. They selected Los Arañones, near Canfranc, as the ideal location for this ambitious project. Rather than having separate stations, the French and Spanish railways opted to collaborate, establishing Canfranc station as a central transportation hub.
The station’s main building boasts impressive Beaux-Arts architecture, featuring a remarkable 365 windows and 156 doors along its extensive 240-meter (790-foot) length.
Construction on the Somport railway tunnel commenced in 1912 from the French side and concluded in 1915, albeit delayed by the disruptions of World War I. The construction of Canfranc station, overseen by Spanish engineer Fernando Ramírez de Dampierre, commenced in 1923 and was officially inaugurated on July 18, 1928. The grand opening ceremony was attended by King Alfonso XIII of Spain and French President Gaston Doumergue, marking a momentous occasion in the history of cross-border transportation.
In 1944, a devastating fire swept through Canfranc, causing significant damage to the area. As a result, the residents relocated to Los Arañones, effectively renaming it Canfranc.
Since 2013, the Aragon government has been keen on revitalizing the station. Their plans included transforming the main building into a hotel and constructing a new station within the old freight halls. Additionally, there was consideration given to reopening the through line, commonly known as the “western trans-Pyrenean line,” with assistance from the Aquitaine government in France.
Exciting news emerged in February 2020 when it was announced that the European Union would provide funding to reopen the through line and reinstate international services. This development signaled a significant step forward in the efforts to restore Canfranc’s status as a key transportation hub in the region.