Dark tourism is quickly becoming more and more popular. Many tourists are now interested in the horrifying and abandoned parts of history, and there are some fascinating places to explore. One of them happens to be in one of Europe's largest megacities.
Estacion de Changberg 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, running between Cuatro Caminos and Sol. At the time it was one of only eight stations in Madrid's brand new underground network.
However, by the 1960s, Madrid's population had grown and trains had become longer to carry more passengers.
Chamberí's platform was too short to fit in the new train, and the station was determined to close due to the curved shape and location between the two busy stops.
It was officially closed in 1966.
For decades it was sealed behind a locked door. Some locals began to call it “ghost stations,” and stories about it spread throughout the city.
In 2008, the station was reopened as part of the Andén0 project. This is the Museum's initiative on the history of the Madrid Metro.
The station was restored just like it was in the early 20th century, and featured original wall tiles, wooden ticket booths, ceramic signs and vintage advertising posters.
Madrid currently has nearly 7 million people inhabiting its modern subways, one of the busiest in Europe.
However, according to visitors, when you step into Chenberg, it “feels like you're going back in time.”
According to the official tourism site Esmadrid.com, the station is located between the Iglesia Bureau and the Bilbao Bureau on the first line.
It's easy to reach and is one of the rarest attractions in the city.
Admission is free and the site is open from Friday to Sunday. Guided tours are also available in Spanish and English. Due to the small size, we recommend booking in the future.
Many visitors say the experience is engaging and chilling.
Reviews on Google and Tripadvisor call it “hidden gem” and “one of Madrid's most memorable stops.”
