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A One-Day Journey Through the Moscow Metro(Part 1)

The Moscow Metro is widely regarded as the most beautiful metro system in the world, often called an “underground palace of art.” Unlike the uniform designs of many metro stations around the globe, Moscow’s stations are masterpieces created by renowned architects, each with its unique style—some elegant and refined, others grand and majestic.

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Constructed rapidly in just three years, the Moscow Metro opened in May 1935, initially designed for military purposes.

Highlight: The Brown Line (Line 5, Circle Line)

For your metro exploration, start with the Circle Line (Brown Line), home to some of the most iconic stations: Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Prospekt Mira, Komsomolskaya, and Taganskaya.

Kievskaya (Киевская)

Recommendation: 5 Stars

A must-visit station! Built in 1953, Kievskaya features 18 stunning mosaic murals framed by intricate reliefs. These murals depict the historical relationship between Russia and Ukraine from 1654 to the October Revolution in 1917.

Krasnopresnenskaya (Краснопресненская)

Recommendation: 3 Stars

Opened in 1954, this station’s bas-reliefs depict themes from the 1905 and 1917 Russian revolutions. While Stalin and Lenin statues were originally part of the decor, they were removed in the 1960s.

Belorusskaya (Белорусская)

Recommendation: 4 Stars

Opened in 1952, Belorusskaya is named after the nearby Belorussky Railway Station, which connects to Belarus. The station’s domed ceiling is adorned with white tiles and intricate bas-reliefs, featuring mosaics depicting Belarusian life, work, and wartime scenes.

Novoslobodskaya (Новослободская)

Recommendation: 5 Stars

Built in 1952, Novoslobodskaya is a standout station on the Circle Line. Its most striking feature is the 32 stained glass panels that line the walls, typically used in churches. These colorful glassworks depict exotic plants and flowers, leaving visitors in awe.

Prospekt Mira (Проспект Мира)

Recommendation: 3 Stars

Opened in 1952, this station uses ivory-colored ceramic tiles accented with gold detailing. Chandeliers with cylindrical crystal designs give the station a classic and enchanting feel.

Komsomolskaya (Комсомольская)

Recommendation: 5 Stars

Built in 1952, Komsomolskaya is one of the most famous stations in Moscow and a masterpiece of Stalinist Empire architecture. Its yellow and white domed ceiling is adorned with intricate carvings, golden mosaics, grand chandeliers, and marble columns, creating the illusion of a Soviet-era palace.

Taganskaya (Таганская)

Recommendation: 3 Stars

Taganskaya features a Gothic-inspired design with a blue-and-white color scheme. Its walls are adorned with 48 enamel medallions, depicting themes of naval and partisan life. The blue-and-white chandeliers echo the station’s elegant design.