The area of Atocha in Madrid is chiefly famous for its railway station, which is the largest in the city and boasts a rich and varied history. The modern incarnation dates back to 1992 and boasts excellent high speed links to most of Spain's major cities and much of the rest of Europe, plus two metro stations, making it the hub of Madrid's underground network.
The original incarnation of the station was opened in 1851 and was very typical of its time in terms of architecture. Following a few renovations after a fire destroyed much of it in 1892, the old concourse was retired in 1992 and turned into an entertainment venue which today boasts nightclubs, shops, restaurants and a 4,000sqm tropical garden.
Such excellent accessibility has obviously made Atocha a thriving district of the city, evidenced by the large number of hotels, offices and attractions that can be found there, including the excellent Reina Sofia Museum.
