Dark tourism is quickly becoming more and more popular. Many tourists are now interested in the scary or abandoned parts of history, and there are some fascinating places to explore. One of them happens to be in one of Europe’s biggest mega cities.
Estación de Chamberí in Madrid is an old metro station that has been closed for decades. It first opened in 1919 as part of the city’s original metro line, Line 1, which ran between Cuatro Caminos and Sol. At the time, it was one of just eight stations on Madrid’s brand-new underground network.
But by the 1960s, Madrid’s population had grown, and trains were getting longer to carry more passengers.
Chamberí’s platform was too short to fit the new trains, and because of its curved shape and location between two busy stops, it was decided the station would close.
It was officially shut down in 1966.
For decades, it sat sealed off behind locked doors. Some locals even started calling it the “ghost station,” and stories about it spread across the city.
In 2008, the station reopened as part of the Andén 0 project – a museum initiative that’s all about the history of Madrid’s metro.
The station was restored to look exactly as it did in the early 20th century, complete with original wall tiles, wooden ticket booths, ceramic signs, and vintage advertising posters.
Madrid is now home to nearly seven million people, and its modern metro is one of the busiest in Europe.
But stepping into Chamberí “feels like going back in time”, according to those who have visited.
According to the official tourism site esmadrid.com, the station is located between Iglesia and Bilbao stations on Line 1.
It’s easy to reach and is one of the most unusual attractions in the city.
Entry is free, and the site is open from Friday to Sunday. Guided tours are also available in Spanish and English. Due to its small size, booking ahead is recommended.
Many visitors say the experience is both fascinating and chilling.
Reviews on Google and TripAdvisor call it “a hidden gem” and “one of the most memorable stops in Madrid”.