This autumn, transport enthusiasts will be able to visit the so-called “ghost stations” of the Barcelona metro.
For the first time in history, ghost stations will be opened for visits in Barcelona (Spain). As writes The Independent, the company Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has reported that it will open the unused stations “Correos” (Correos) and “Gaudí” (Gaudí). The event will take place as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the subway. In total, in September, October and November, you can see eight objects, usually closed to the public.
The first station to open will be Gaudí, which was built 57 years ago but has never been put into operation. During the tours, visitors will learn about the 100-year history of the city’s transportation network.
The second will be the Correos station, which operated from 1934 to 1972. Since it has no access to the surface, visitors will have to walk along the tracks when the trains are not running.
In addition to the “ghost” stations, guests will be shown several other important places of the metro. In particular, the old spiral staircase at Urquinaona station, the Santa Eulàlia workshop-the oldest in the metro, which was opened in 1922. People will also see the ZAL workshop, where the metro systems are located, and the Mercat Nou electrical substation, a Renaissance-style building with elements of traditional and modern Catalan art.
Visitors will also be able to try out the role of a train driver using the simulator in the control center.
“We celebrate 100 years of the metro together with its main characters-the employees who provide daily transport, and the people of Barcelona. That is why we are opening up iconic spaces of the network for both employees and passengers,” said TMB CEO Xavier Flores.
In total, the company provides 5,033 free tickets for visits. Registration is available on the TMB website. The first tours started on September 13, and the “ghost stations” can be visited on certain days in October and November.
The first visits to the spaces began on September 13, but the ghost stations will be available for a few days in October and November.
Secrets of underground Barcelona
According to open sources, there are many abandoned metro stations underground in Barcelona, Spain. The most famous ones include Gaudí, Correos, Ferran, and Banc, which was allegedly used to transport money to a Spanish bank located just a few meters away. Barcelona’s underground system also has other interesting stories, such as the Vilanova Bifurcació station. It is also known that the first underground shopping center in Europe, La Avenida de la Luz, was located under Barcelona in the early 1940s. It included luxurious shops and a cinema. According to eyewitnesses, the remains of the ancient structures have survived.
