Túnel del tren de Pombo, Historic train tunnel in Santander, Spain
Túnel del tren de Pombo is a walkable passage running beneath Santander to link the city center with the Sardinero district. The straight route measures roughly 290 meters and features consistent lighting and security infrastructure throughout.
Built in 1892, the tunnel served as part of an early rail system powered by a steam locomotive named La Poderosa that transported passengers in attached cars. This represents a pivotal moment when Santander embraced mechanical transportation beneath its streets.
The passage reflects how Santander adapted its neighborhoods by creating shortcuts and modern connections for daily movement. Walking through reveals the practical way locals integrated this infrastructure into their routines.
The tunnel is accessible daily during extended hours and welcomes both pedestrians and cyclists through its full length. Constant lighting and surveillance cameras ensure safe passage at any time of day.
The passage features an augmented reality exhibition that lets visitors see a digital reconstruction of the historic steam train through their mobile devices. This connection between the physical space and historical technology creates an interactive experience of how the tunnel once functioned.
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