15 Most Beautiful Metro Stations in Moscow

Are you looking to discover the most beautiful subway stations in Moscow? You're in the right place! We’re about to take you on a captivating journey through our 15 favorite stations, complete with stunning photos and a map at the end to help you navigate your way. But before we dive into the details, let's set the stage...

The Moscow Metro was inaugurated in 1935, but it truly flourished after the victory over Nazi Germany, becoming a symbol of Soviet power. Commonly referred to as the Palace of the People, many of its stations serve as accessible museums, showcasing breathtaking architecture and art. The Moscow Metro is not just a transportation system; it offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of Russia, making it a must-see attraction in the capital. For anyone interested in the beautiful Moscow metro, this guide will help you navigate through some of the best metro stations in Moscow.

While taking the subway in most countries might be a mundane task, in Moscow, getting on the metro is an experience in itself.

For those who prefer guided exploration, there are tours in Spanish that highlight some of the most beautiful stations. Yet, with this guide, you can embark on a self-directed adventure just as rewarding, as you discover the best metro stations in Moscow.

Essential Tips for Exploring the Moscow Metro

Before we unveil the most stunning metro stations in Moscow, here are some essential tips to enhance your visit:

• If you're pressed for time, focus on the Circle Line (brown line); it features most of the beautiful stations.
• Metro tickets are incredibly affordable, priced at just 55 rubles (approximately €0.60) for a single ride or 230 rubles (€2.50) for a one-day pass.
• Look down at the floor: you'll often find stickers marking the best spots to stand for taking photos.
• Familiarize yourself with the Moscow Metro system; here’s a guide on how to navigate the capital's public transport.
• Check out the Metro Map for easy navigation.

Now, let's explore the 15 most beautiful metro stations in Moscow, each showcasing why they are considered the best Moscow metro stations.

1. Komsomolskaya

Often considered the most stunning station in Moscow, Komsomolskaya feels like stepping into a palace. Inaugurated in 1952, its Baroque-style design features yellow-painted walls, floral decorations, Ionic columns, and chandeliers that seem to float from the ceiling. This station is indeed one of the best metro stations in Moscow.

A striking bust of one of Russia's key historical figures, Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (commonly known as Lenin), serves as a poignant focal point.

• Line: Circular (brown) and Red.

2. Kievskaya

Kievskaya symbolizes the unity of Russia and Ukraine, showcased through 18 detailed mosaics that depict this relationship. The imagery often incorporates communist symbols like the hammer and sickle, making it one of the beautiful Moscow metro stations to visit.

As a historical note, Kiev was one of the most crucial cities in Russian history, serving as the capital in 882 AD under Prince Oleg.

• Line: Circular (brown), Dark Blue, and Light Blue.

3. Belorusskaya

Belorusskaya is renowned for its stunning white marble columns and ceiling, adorned with geometric patterns. The ceiling features 12 mosaics depicting life in Bielorrusia, framed in octagonal borders. This station is often mentioned among the best metro stations in Moscow.

• Line: Circular (brown) and Green.

4. Arbatskaya

This station is unique for its depth, located 40 meters underground. It was reconstructed to this depth after being damaged during World War II, serving as a potential shelter during the Cold War.

Its elliptical tunnel features an elegant vaulted white ceiling decorated with floral motifs and candelabra-style lamps, marking it as one of the most beautiful subway stations in Moscow.

• Line: Dark Blue, not to be confused with the Arbatskaya on the light blue line.

5. Ploshchad Revolyutsii

One of the most visited stations by tourists, Ploshchad Revolyutsii is a unique blend of architecture and art, housing 76 bronze statues that celebrate the Soviet populace, akin to an open-air museum. This makes it a top contender for the best metro station in Moscow.

Interestingly, these statues depict 20 different figures (which are duplicated), with the most famous being a dog whose nose shines brightly from countless touches, believed to bring good luck.

• Line: Dark Blue.

6. Park Kultury

This impressive station features marble walls inspired by classical Greek design. The 26 bas-reliefs depict sports and activities typical of Soviet youth, including beautifully crafted dance motifs, making it one of the most beautiful metro stations in Moscow.

Designed by Igor Rozhin, who also constructed the Luzhniki Stadium, it’s a must-see.

• Line: Circular (brown) and Red.

7. Novoslobodskaya

Novoslobodskaya captivates visitors with its 32 stained glass windows framed in gold, resembling a colorful cathedral. Created by three Latvian artists, it’s a stunning sight to behold and is often cited among the best Moscow metro stations.

At the end of the tunnel, you’ll find a grand mosaic titled Peace for All Mankind, designed by artist Pável Dmítrievich Korin.

• Line: Circular (brown), connected to Mendeleevskaya station on the gray line.

8. Elektrozavodskaya

True to its name, Elektrozavodskaya shines with its stunning lighting; circular lamps are artfully arranged across the ceiling's small vaults. This station is a hidden gem among the best metro stations in Moscow.

Don't miss the reliefs that honor the Soviet struggle during World War II, adding depth to the station's aesthetic.

• Line: Dark Blue.

9. Slavyansky Bulvar

If Peter the Great had visited the Moscow Metro, he might have favored this station for its Art Nouveau style, reminiscent of Parisian subway stations. It stands out as one of the best metro stations in Moscow.

Though often overlooked, Slavyansky Bulvar stands out for its distinctiveness compared to the other stations.

• Line: Dark Blue.

10. Novokuznetskaya

Steeped in history, Novokuznetskaya features mosaics that commemorate the Soviet effort in the Great Patriotic War (World War II). This station is often regarded as one of the most beautiful subway stations in Moscow.

Interestingly, the station’s white marble was sourced from the Catedral del Cristo Salvador, which was demolished in 1931 on Stalin's orders.

• Line: Green, connected to Tret’yakovskaya station on the orange and yellow lines.

11. Mayakovskaya

Exhibiting a pure Art Deco and avant-garde style, Mayakovskaya was designed by Alexey Dushkin. While it may not seem as grand as other stations at first glance, its clean lines and simplicity appeal to many, making it one of the best metro stations in Moscow.

Inaugurated in 1938, it served as an air raid shelter during World War II, evident in the aviation-themed murals that decorate the station.

• Line: Green.

12. Tagánskaya

One of the station's highlights is the striking blue of the niches, adorned with military-themed statues, including busts of notable Red Army figures. This station is often included in lists of the best Moscow metro stations.

• Line: Circular (brown) and Purple, connected to Marksistskaya station on the yellow line.

13. Park Pobedy

Not only is this station the deepest in the city, located 84 meters underground, but it also boasts two enormous murals depicting scenes from the Great Patriotic War at both ends of the passage. It is frequently considered one of the best metro stations in Moscow.

Additionally, it features one of the longest escalators in the world, which stretches over 120 meters, taking about three minutes to descend.

• Line: Yellow and Dark Blue.

14. Prospekt Mira

Inaugurated in 1952, Prospekt Mira strikes a delicate balance between grandeur and simplicity. Its standout features include stunning chandeliers and a decor that nods to agriculture, with a distinctive checkered floor. This station is another highlight among the best Moscow metro stations.

• Line: Circular (brown) and Orange.

15. Aviamotornaya

The theme of this station revolves around aviation; opened in 1979, its most eye-catching feature is the golden ceiling with a unique design. At the end of the corridor, you can find a sculpture symbolizing Icarus’s Flight.

Tragically, on February 17, 1982, Aviamotornaya was the site of a tragic event when one of its escalators malfunctioned, resulting in eight fatalities.

• Line: Yellow and Pink.

Map of the Moscow Metro

Below is a map detailing the locations of the most beautiful metro stations in Moscow:

We hope this guide to the 15 most beautiful metro stations in Moscow helps you plan your essential tour in the Russian capital. We loved exploring the Palace of the People. Which station caught your eye the most among the best metro stations in Moscow?

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