21 Stunning Train Stations That Look More Like Cathedrals

21. Sirkeci Terminal, Istanbul, Turkey: Terminus of the Orient Express

Istanbul's Sirkeci Terminal, opened in 1890, is steeped in the romance of long-distance travel, famously serving as the eastern terminus of the legendary Orient Express. Designed by Prussian architect August Jasmund in an Orientalist style, the station features vibrant stained-glass windows, intricate tilework, and a facade that blends European and Ottoman influences. Its waiting rooms and platforms once welcomed kings, spies, and authors. The rich history and ornate, almost mystical, interior details give Sirkeci a unique, cathedral-like ambiance, echoing with tales of adventure and intrigue.