Ever wondered where Madrid’s Metro began its journey? These are the Cocheras de Metro de Cuatro Caminos. They stand as a testament to Madrid’s industrial heritage. The Cocheras de Metro de Cuatro Caminos were the first workshops of the Madrid Metro.
Construction began in 1918. This coincided with building Spain’s first subway. These Cocheras de Metro de Cuatro Caminos are the oldest metro facilities in Spain. They also rank among Europe’s oldest. The inaugural Line 1 convoy departed from these Cocheras de Metro de Cuatro Caminos on October 17 1919.
The renowned architect Antonio Palacios designed the Cocheras de Metro de Cuatro Caminos. Palacios also designed iconic buildings like the Palacio de Comunicaciones. He also designed the Hospital de Jornaleros de Maudes and the Casino de Madrid.
In 1917, Palacios requested the start of construction. In 1918, he bid for an ironwork shop to build the Cocheras de Metro de Cuatro Caminos structure. Altos Hornos de Vizcaya cast the iron.
These Cocheras de Metro de Cuatro Caminos became the company’s technological core. They were built on land bought in Madrid’s suburbs. This area was between the city limits and Tetuán de las Victorias. The company also created Avenida de la Reina Victoria. This was urbanized to generate funding.
The first cars arrived in the summer of 1919. They were transported by horse-drawn carts. The motors came from France. The Brill bogies came from the United States. The Cuatro Caminos cars were assembled here. King Alfonso XIII attended the official opening on October 17 1919.
The Cocheras de Metro de Cuatro Caminos expanded southward. This was to accommodate the growing network. The last major expansion occurred in the 1960s. After this time, the facilities gradually fell into disuse.
The location was chosen for its natural decline. This aided tunnel placement. Its cardinal orientation was also ideal. It allowed shed roofs to capture northern light. This light is diffuse and suitable for work spaces. The tunnel curved 90 degrees before the yard. This design suited older trains.
The Cocheras de Metro de Cuatro Caminos feature a structural system. It includes iron pillars and Pratt trusses. These cover the train depot area. The roof has sawtooth shapes facing north. This provides consistent light without direct sun.
The Cocheras de Metro de Cuatro Caminos exemplify industrial architecture. They use materials like brick. They also feature engineering elements like metal trusses.
The tunnel entrance is a notable feature. It was designed as a grand entrance. Antonio Palacios combined granite with brick. This created a chromatic effect seen in other works.
Inside, the workshops housed a bridge crane. They also had machinery for train repair. Windows overlooked Esquilache Street. Passersby could view the interior activities. The workshop was shorter than the depot.
The Cocheras de Metro de Cuatro Caminos underwent expansions. These occurred in the 1930s 1940s and 1960s. These maintained the structural module.
Today only the entrance arch and 75 meters of wall remain. The Cocheras de Metro de Cuatro Caminos once stood as a symbol of Madrid’s progress.