Rossio Railway Station (Estação Ferroviária do Rossio)

The Rossio station has five tracks (I, II, III, IV, and V) with lengths ranging from 85 to 196 meters. The platforms measure between 134 and 208 meters in length and have a uniform height of 90 cm. These dimensions have remained largely unchanged since at least 2011.

The passenger building is located at the end of the tracks, as the station was originally designed as a terminal. Constructed in the late 19th century in the Neo-Manueline style by architect José Luís Monteiro, it has been classified as a public interest building since 1971. It is also part of a joint protection zone for classified buildings along Avenida da Liberdade and the surrounding area.

Originally, the complex included the station building with its metal roof, an annex building housing a hotel, the Rossio Tunnel, and the ramps leading to Largo do Carmo. The large nave of the station is covered by an iron and glass canopy and measures 130 meters in length and 21 meters in height, accommodating nine tracks in 1989.

The station complex spans multiple levels, overcoming the significant difference in height between the railway tracks and the Rossio and Restauradores areas through intermediate floors. It also includes underground access to the Restauradores station of the Lisbon Metro, which was built more recently. Elevated stations of this kind are rare in Portugal, with Rossio being the main example in the country.

The trains access the station through a double-track tunnel, starting from Campolide station. The tunnel has a length of 2,613 meters and features a vaulted profile with a width of 8 meters and a maximum height of 6 meters. It descends 24.26 meters from the tunnel entrance in Campolide to its endpoint at Rossio Station, resulting in a gradient of approximately 1%. There is a midway emergency escape shaft that provides access to the surface near the intersection with Rua Alexandre Herculano.

From 2004 to 2008, the tunnel was closed for renovation work, leading to the temporary closure of Rossio Station. The rehabilitation included the installation of a concrete track platform with embedded rails, allowing easier access for service and emergency vehicles.

While exploring Lisbon, a visit to the Rossio Railway Station is a must. Marvel at the grandeur of its Neo-Manueline façade, admire the cast-iron architecture of the platforms, and immerse yourself in the rich history that permeates this iconic landmark. The Rossio Railway Station stands as a symbol of Lisbon's architectural heritage, seamlessly blending the past and present for all to experience and appreciate.