The Return of a Landmark: Cuenca Celebrates the Inauguration of Parque del Ferrocarril

On Saturday, September 27th, the city of Cuenca will celebrate the inauguration of a new public space, the Parque del Ferrocarril. This event marks the culmination of a significant restoration project centered on the historic Gapal Station, a landmark that has stood silent for over three decades.

The history of the Gapal Station is more than just the story of a building; it is a chapter in the larger narrative of Ecuadorian progress and ambition. The arrival of the railroad in Cuenca on March 6, 1965, was a monumental achievement. While the railroad project in the country began much earlier, the southern region of Ecuador, including Cuenca, faced immense geographical, political, and economic challenges. It took half a century of sustained effort to finally connect the city to the national rail network. This feat of engineering and perseverance is a testament to the foresight of those who saw the potential for unity and modernity that a trans-Ecuadorian railroad could bring. The station, officially named "Miguel Ángel Estrella," served as a beacon of this modernity for its time.

However, like many great public works, the railroad eventually succumbed to a period of decline. The once-bustling station fell into disuse, and the rail line was ultimately dismantled, leaving the station as a relic of a bygone era. For 31 years, it stood as a quiet reminder of what was once a vital artery of commerce and connectivity.

Fortunately, its story did not end there. In 2020, the Gapal Station was handed over to the Cuenca municipality for restoration. The vision for its recovery was not merely to preserve a historical building but to infuse it with new purpose. The restoration project aimed to transform the station into a vibrant cultural center, a museum dedicated to preserving the memory of Cuenca's railroad history, and a public park complete with green spaces and recreational areas.

The inauguration of Parque del Ferrocarril on Saturday, September 27th, at 10 AM, is a celebration of this renewal. Located at the intersection of 24 de Mayo and Gapal avenues, the event promises to be a festive occasion for all ages. It is an acknowledgment that historical spaces can, and should, be reimagined for the present day. By preserving the memory of the past while creating a space for future generations to enjoy, the city of Cuenca is demonstrating a thoughtful approach to urban development and cultural heritage. The resurrection of this landmark is a positive step, symbolizing a new chapter for a place that was once a hub of innovation and connection.

If you don't want to struggle finding the relevant spots on your map, use our Interactive Cuenca Map. We will have a pin for the location of this park as well as many other important spots to know about. We constantly update the map and bring to your realm of possibilities a lot of activities and places that would be difficult to gain awareness of using other web maps.

Enjoy Cuenca like never before with a map that helps you plan ahead much better than before.