Why Russian metro is the most beautiful and unique in the world
This post is a collaboration with asphodelly. To learn Russian vocabulary and even more interesting facts about Russian subway view her post.
Russian subway (метро) is famous for always being clean, safe and over-the-top beautiful. In fact, many stations look like they belong in a palace or a museum rather than the underground. Here’s a short list of the most interesting ones.
Адмиралтейская - Admiralteyskaya (Saint-Petersburg)
The subway of the city of Saint-Petersburg is known as the deepest one in the world: you usually spend more time going down and up the escalator than on the train. And the deepest station in not only the city but the whole Russia is - you guessed it - Admiralteyskaya. It is as deep as 86 metres, was built in 2011 and is placed in the very center of the city.
Маяковская - Mayakovskaya (Moscow)
Some people consider this station to be the most beautiful in the world, and I can’t really argue with that. It is even protected as an object of cultural heritage of Russia.
Although it may look simple at first glance, when you look up you see beautiful mosaic panels (фрески) by Soviet artist Deyneka (А.А.Дейнека). Their theme is “A day of the Soviet sky” (”Сутки советского неба”) and it is truly one of the most magical things I’ve ever seen.
“Два самолета и цветущая яблоня”
“Прыжок в воду парня и девушки”
Комсомольская - Komsomolskaya (Moscow)
This one is easily the most pompous station of the Russian underground. It’s theme is Russia’s victory in WWII, the fight for freedom and independence and the people who dedicated their lives to the fight for their Motherland.
Новослободская - Novoslobodskaya (Moscow)
Moscow citizens call this station “The underground fairytale”, and that name speaks for itself. It is decorated with 32 stained glass windows and a huge panel called “The world peace” (”Мир во всем мире”).
Таганская - Taganskaya (Moscow)
Built around authentic Russian ornaments it incorporates gothic Middle-age patterns and patriotic bas-reliefs.
Электрозаводская - Electrozavodskaya (Moscow)
The out-standing design of this station is, frankly, not the most interesting thing. What makes it completely unique is that the marble in its walls contains fossils of ancient mollusks! It is also protected as an object of cultural heritage of Russia.
Автово - Avtovo (Saint-Petersburg)
This one has earned itself the 12th position in The Guardian’s top most beautiful stations in the world.
As you can see, a lot of the stations of the Russian underground are more pieces of art than public transport. And they look even more gorgeous in person, believe it or not. Also, there are many beautiful stations that I didn’t include, so add your favorite ones! I hope that if you visit Russia, you will pay attention to the underground and witness it in all of its glory.
