It's not often that a railway station can be listed among a city's highlights, but we definitely recommend a visit to the Atocha station in Madrid.  Following the destruction of the first station at the site by fire, the replacement was built between 1888 and 1892 under the direction of Alberto del Palacio Elissagne and Gustave Eiffel, designer of the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. The arching roof consists of a cast iron and glass construction in Art Nouveau style. In 1992, the original part of the building was turned into an area containing shops and cafes.  The most imposing feature, however, is the huge tropical garden inside, which even is home to some turtles.  

The temperature in the old station now hovers around a pleasant 24ºC all year round. Travelers awaiting connecting trains can enjoy a coffee break in the remarkable  atmosphere of the station’s gardens.

Make sure to visit the Atocha Train Station and enjoy the tropical gardens during your Spanish course in Madrid .