Nordbahnhof

The North Station is the largest of the Parisian railway stations and at the same time one of the largest in the world in terms of the number of passengers cleared per year. It was built in the second half of the 19th century. Its façade in the shape of a triumphal arch is decorated with sculptures depicting the cities reached by trains from Paris.

The first railway station was built on this site in 1846. It very quickly turned out to be too small for the needs of the growing passenger traffic. Its façade was dismantled and transported to Lille, where it was fitted into the station building. The new station was commissioned in 1864. It presents the monumental neoclassical style, fashionable at the time.

The façade of the station resembles a triumphal arch, with a huge, glazed window inserted. Above it, there are 23 figures symbolizing the most important European cities, which were reached by trains from Gare du Nord. On the façade itself, smaller sculptures show French cities. The station hall is U-shaped and made of iron. The station was enlarged several times due to the growing number of travelers.