Russia 2019 (22) MOSCOW - Subway Surprise

Next stop was a mini-trip on the Moscow Metro. Famous for its beautiful subway stations, it was a must-see.


This transportation system opened in 1935 with an 11-kilometer (almost 7 miles) line and 13 stations.  Most stations are underground with a handful at street or elevated levels. Nine million people use this transportation system each day. It is open 05:30 to 01:30. Trains run on electricity and travel an average of 25 miles per hour.

Outside the station was this circle of flags. We wondered why we didn't see the flag of the our country. Should we take this as an affront to our country? Not at all. It turns out this is the Square of Europe, so only flags from Europe were displayed.

We entered at the Kievskaya station.

Passed through the pay area. All tickets are about $1 USD and as long as you don't go outside the turnstiles, you may travel all day on one ticket. Women age 60+ and men age 65+ ride free.

Although we were just traveling from this station to the next, we checked out the routes and schedules. Currently it covers almost 400 kilometers (245 miles) with 260+ stations in the metro area. It is the fifth longest system in the world.

Escalators descended down into the earth. Its deepest point is 84 meters (276 feet) at the Park Pobedy station. Very clean. Well lit. No graffiti.

This is one line of the Kievskaya station. A busy place.

Once on the platforms we saw what the subway rave was all about. During the era of socialism, the system was built in grand style. It gave the illusion of being in a palace, so even the most humble person might feel they were sharing the wealth and glory of the state.

This line showed military scenes in mosaics.

A different line of the same station displayed people at work. It was a commentary on the history of the people of the Ukraine.

A large mural at the end of the hall depicted a lovely peasant wedding. Looks like the actual people in the photo are part of the mural, enjoying the celebration.

Subway stations signs were decorated in gold.

Staircases and lighting fixtures were elegant.

The train za comin'.

We were all a bit nervous. Our group of 25 or so needed to board (and get off) together. We spread out to enter several doors to accommodate the situation and knew we should all get off at the next stop.

Happily, we all managed to follow directions and stay together without a hitch. The downline station had a completely different style. This less colorful and more demure luxury look had marble walls and columns, polished bronze lighting hardware, and large alabaster relief carvings.

The ceiling had medallions with the old Soviet sickle and hammer symbol.

Honestly, how extravagant can you get. It did feel as though we were walking down the hallway of an opulent palace. Even the floors are uniquely designed at each station.

It was a relief to get back to daylight. The experience had been a little overwhelming and stressful, as far as keeping our little group together in such a big crowd of hurrying humanity.

To view some gorgeous shots of other stations, go here:
https://twistedsifter.com/2014/11/beautiful-stations-of-the-moscow-metro/
or just google "Moscow subway stations.