Make Sure You Visit These Beautiful Soviet Era Metro Stations

With their arched ceilings, grandiose chandeliers and marble tiled walls, stations of Moscow metro are believed to be some of the most beautiful in the word. One of the most expensive projects in the Soviet history, the metro now has 206 stations, 44 of which are considered cultural heritage sites. Here are the most visually arresting metro stations that you should visit.

1. Park Kultury (Line 1)

Train Station, Architectural Landmark

One of the first Moscow’s metro stations, Park Kultury was opened on May 15th, 1935. Designed by Soviet constructivist architect Georgy Krutikov, the station was built using the cut-and-cover method. Since the excavation was made right at the Krymskaya Square, the station was to be named ‘Krymskaya’, but eventually they switched to ‘Park Kultury imeni Gorkogo’, and then shortened it to Park Kultury right before the 1980 Moscow Olympics. With its two rows of marble-covered columns, the station is famous for the 26 bas-reliefs, depicting leisure activities popular with Soviet youth like skating, tennis, dancing and even aeromodelling.

Kievskaya (Line 5)

One of the world’s top 10 most beautiful metro stations, Kievskaya was commissioned by Nikita Khrushchev to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Russian-Ukrainian unity. Opened in 1954 the station is famous for its opulent decorations, magnificent chandeliers, large mosaics elaborately designed Soviet artist and rimmed with fantastic golden flowers.

Kievskaya, Moscow, 121059