Old Martos Station

The Antigua Estación de Martos is currently undergoing rehabilitation by the Martos City Council. While significant work has been done to preserve the main building and goods loading dock, the project is ongoing. The aim is to transform it into a multi-purpose tourist hub, including an exhibition space, a tourist office for the Vía Verde, a hospitality center, and potentially a local archaeological museum in the old warehouse.

Yes, the station is strategically located directly on the Vía Verde del Aceite, a popular greenway. It serves as an ideal starting or ending point for various walking and cycling adventures along this 120-kilometer trail. Once fully rehabilitated, it will also function as a cycling center (BTT) and bike rental point, making it even easier to explore the surrounding olive groves.

The terrain immediately around the station and along the Vía Verde del Aceite is generally flat, which makes it suitable for visitors with wheelchairs or strollers. However, as the rehabilitation is ongoing, specific accessibility features within the station building itself may vary. It's advisable to check local updates closer to your visit for the most current information on interior accessibility.

Yes, the Vía Verde del Aceite is generally dog-friendly, making it a great place for walks with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and to clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

The time needed for a visit can vary. If you're primarily interested in seeing the historical structure and learning about its significance, a visit of 30 minutes to an hour might suffice. However, if you plan to incorporate it into a longer walk or cycle along the Vía Verde del Aceite, your visit could extend for several hours or even a full day, depending on your chosen route.

While the Vía Verde del Aceite is popular, especially during spring and autumn due to pleasant weather, the station itself is not typically overcrowded. To avoid larger groups, consider visiting during weekdays or earlier in the morning on weekends. The summer months can be very hot, which naturally reduces visitor numbers during peak daylight hours.

The station is located within the town of Martos, so you'll find various cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options within a short distance. As the station's rehabilitation progresses, there are plans for a hospitality center on-site, which will further enhance visitor amenities.

The station's architecture is particularly unique due to the discovery that its structural beams are made from railway tracks inscribed with "Pompei." These rails originated from the same French workshop in Lorraine that supplied beams for the Eiffel Tower just four years prior to the station's construction between 1890 and 1892. This innovative use of materials and its connection to such a renowned engineering feat make it a fascinating architectural example.

Martos itself is a town rich in history, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Sierra Sur." Beyond the station, you can explore the historic town center, which features the Castle of La Villa, the Church of Santa Marta, and various archaeological remains. The entire Vía Verde del Aceite is dotted with other former railway stations and historical points of interest, offering many hidden gems for those who explore further.

The station was a vital hub on the Linares-Puente Genil railway line, popularly known as the "Tren del Aceite" (Oil Train). Its primary role was to transport olive oil from the region, which is a major olive oil producer. In the mid-20th century, a 5,000-ton olive oil storage facility was even built next to the station, underscoring its crucial link to this essential local industry.