Barcelona’s Metro stations have a network with an intricate maze of 12 lines stretching 170 kilometers and connecting 183 stations. And it is worth mentioning that its origins date back to the 19th century, when in 1863 the railroad was inaugurated in Sarrià. However, the real beginning of the modern metro system took place on December 30, 1924 with the opening of the first metro line, operated by the company Gran Metropolità de Barcelona, SA.
But despite the more than 150 stations currently in operation, Barcelona and its metropolitan area are also home to several “ghost stations”. This term refers to shutdowns that are out of service or were never used due to changes in the original projects.
Did you know about the existence of abandoned Barcelona Metro stations?
1. Bank
Located between the Jaume I and Urquinaona stops on Via Laietana, this station was built in 1911, but trains did not start running until 25 years later. It was closed due to its inadequate dimensions and the existence of the nearby Jaume I and Urquinaona stops. Today, the bench platform is walled up and is used to store track material.
2. Border
This station, located between Mercat Nou and Santa Eulàlia, was part of line 1 and opened in 1926. However, it was closed more than 40 years ago to extend the line to Torrassa. Currently, there are three tracks in this area, a lateral one that goes to the Bordeta depot and two central ones that connect Santa Eulàlia and Mercat Nou.
3. Fernando
Operational from 1948 to 1968, this station was located between Liceu and Drassanes, near the Boqueria market and Ferran street. Although it closed more than 50 years ago to allow for the extension of the metro line to Drassanes, it still exists, albeit boarded up.
4. Mail
Located under the Antoni López square, this station stopped receiving passengers 50 years ago on line L4 in the direction of La Pau. It was inaugurated in 1934 and closed in March 1972 to allow its extension to Barceloneta.
5. Gaudí, one of the Barcelona Metro stations with a particular history.
Gaudí station, located between Hospital de Sant Pau and Sagrada Família on line 5, is known for its peculiar history. Built for another subway line that never opened due to last minute changes in the project, this station has platforms, escalators and a subway entrance that has never been used. Over the years, it has been illuminated with Christmas decorations, used for cultural events and, at one time, housed the headquarters of the Metro retirees’ association.
These ghost stations of the Barcelona metro and others such as Horta, Les Rodalies and Sant Bertrain are fascinating vestiges of the history of the city and its transport system. Although they no longer carry passengers, they remain silent witnesses to Barcelona’s past and its changes over the years.
