It was built in the beginning of the 20th century on the site of the former Convent of S. Bento de Avé-Maria, thus obtaining its name. The vestibule is adorned with twenty thousand tiles illustrating historical events, painted by Jorge Colaço (1864-1942). It is one of the most important artistic initiatives of the turn of the century and was designed by the architect Marques da Silva.
The railways celebrated their inaugural journey on 28th October 1856. Following a period at the beginning of the century when several various public and private companies co-existed, the Companhia dos Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses (Portuguese railway company) came into existence in 1951, to become, in 1975, CP as it is known today.
