The newly inaugurated Mons train station has been recognised as one of the seven most beautiful railway stations in the world for 2025 by the prestigious Prix Versailles awards, announced on Monday.
Designed by acclaimed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the Mons station was celebrated for its “aerial style, clean lines, and dazzling white steel forms.” The award places Mons alongside some of the world’s most remarkable transport hubs, highlighting its significance in modern European architecture.
The Prix Versailles jury described the structure as a “cathedral-like bridge, 165 metres long, linking the city’s historic heart to the emerging Grands Prés district.” The description aptly reflects Calatrava’s signature approach, which blends engineering precision with poetic architectural vision.
The Prix Versailles, presented annually at UNESCO headquarters in Paris since 2015, honours architectural achievements that combine beauty, innovation, and respect for the urban environment. The 2025 shortlist includes other landmark projects such as Gadigal Station in Sydney, Baiyun Station in Guangzhou, and Qasr Al Hokm Station in Saudi Arabia.
Opened to passengers on 18 December 2024, the Mons station’s completion marked the end of a long-awaited project that began more than a decade ago. Its gleaming white steel canopy and sweeping curves have already become a defining feature of the city’s skyline.
The design features a monumental glass gallery inspired by Brussels’ Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. The intelligent use of natural light and ventilation ensures a comfortable interior temperature throughout the year, while its layout facilitates smooth passenger movement across platforms and the city’s districts.
“The Mons station embodies exceptional technical and aesthetic achievements that honour the global community of builders,” said Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary-General of the Prix Versailles. “These works already stand as part of this century’s architectural heritage and redefine the role of mobility.”
The upcoming Prix Versailles ceremony, to be held at UNESCO headquarters on 4 December, will announce which three of the seven selected stations receive global titles for interior and exterior design.
For Mons, the recognition represents more than just an architectural triumph—it’s a symbol of urban renewal. The station connects the historic centre with the developing Grands Prés area, promoting sustainable mobility and civic pride.
As Belgium continues to invest in visionary public infrastructure, the Mons train station stands as a beacon of the nation’s modern architectural identity—bridging heritage with innovation and reaffirming its place on the world stage.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
