The implementation of the railway network in Portugal was quick and efficient. This was possible due to a standardized planning and construction system. The arrival of the railway infrastructure had to respond to the different needs of its implementation sites, and therefore their railway stations were divided into classes, according to the density of their locations. These classes grew in scale, following similar architectural principles, except in the 1st class stations, which were unique projects, with intrinsic and complex programs. Thus, one can find two types of railway architectural production: one linked to standard types of construction, divided into classes; another with unique projects.
This article aims to identify if railway stations in Portugal can be recognized as industrial heritage through a new reading of this legacy, incorporated with the Charter of Athens.
