Gdańsk Główny has clinched the title of Poland’s best train station, triumphing over 104 competitors in a spirited public vote. The station’s recent renovation, a monumental investment totalling PLN 120 million, has propelled it to the forefront, earning accolades not only for its modernization but also for its meticulous restoration of historic architectural elements.
Reviving History: Gdańsk Główny’s Exquisite Renovation
Originally unveiled in 1900, Gdańsk Główny underwent a transformational renovation, aligning with the city’s esteemed Danzig style. This ambitious project meticulously revived Neo-Gothic, Neo-Baroque, and Neo-Renaissance details, including a 48-meter tower crowned by a stunning copper cupola. Inside, travellers are transported back in time with oak-panelled ticket windows, captivating spherical chandeliers, and ornate coats of arms from various Pomeranian cities, all set amidst fetching stained glass windows.
Despite facing an 18-month delay primarily due to pandemic-related challenges, the refurbished Gdańsk Główny stands as a testament to the exceptional treatment of historic architecture. Its restoration closely mirrors the station’s original grandeur from over a century ago, captivating visitors and locals alike.
Celebrating Poprad Valley’s Architectural Triumph
However, the spotlight isn’t solely on Gdańsk Główny. A collective of 12 stations nestled in the Poprad Valley, known as Dworzec Dolina Popradu, claimed the esteemed jury-prize, marking the first time multiple stations have collectively received this honor. These stations spread across the picturesque Stary Sącz – Muszyna route in southern Poland, garnered praise for their harmonious blend of modernization while respecting the region’s rich traditions.
The stations along this route, including Barcice, Piwniczna, Rytro, and more, have undergone comprehensive modernization, embracing contemporary standards while seamlessly integrating elements characteristic of the Beskid Sądecki Mountains’ architecture. Architectural accolades were showered upon stations like Łomnica-Zdrój and Zubrzyk, which were not merely constructed but meticulously designed to honour the region’s heritage.