Famous for its beauty and elegance, the Moscow subway makes my trip to Russia an exciting one commuting in the city alone. While the stations are bustling with locals, I could always see some visitors stopping in the crowded, sitting on a bench, and admiring the breathtaking arts and historic décors in different corners and the ceiling at the lobby and train platform.
“They used to have palace for kings, we are going to build palaces for the people!” Said one of the key architects of the Soviet Subway. For decades, the Moscow subway provide efficient and punctual transportation services to the citizens and the historic network remains among the most clean and effective subway systems in the world. As soon as the train approached the station, train doors open rapidly sprung open and passengers marching in and out of the cars in a smooth and orderly manner. So, don’t worry if you miss a train because the next one would probably come soon enough.
I have talked about the Free walking tour in Moscow some time ago (check out: We are Here! Moscow!), and the same company provides another Moscow Metro Tour at 3 PM every day, taking tourist through the metro stations with in-depth information and interesting facts of some of the most iconic stations along the “Coffee Ring”. If you are on a budget, it’s absolutely fine to take your time, and visit these stations at your own pace.
The “Coffee Ring” (a.k.a. the Koltsevaya Line, or, the Brown Line) is the most well-known circle route that connects different subway lines in central Moscow. It is the most crucial to the transfer patterns of passenger since its completion in 1954. I have heard about this legend too many times when I was in Moscow – Joseph Stalin himself suggested the circle line when he placed a coffee cup on the original development map and then lifting it, leaving a circular coffee stain around the center of the city and said “it’s your main fault, it should be built”. It is thought to be the reason why the line is brown on the maps.
Although the subway stations don’t have many English signs (there are new signs added on the floor), the system is still easy to navigate when you have a metro map in your hands. Use the numbers and colors because sometimes it could be confusing to the Russian alphabets to the names of the stations.
Most of the must-see subway stations lie on the north of central Moscow. Some of them look more like cathedrals, ballrooms, and art galleries than a transportation hub. The stations still feature décor of Lenin or communist icons that reminded us of the time of Stalin. So without further ado, here are some of the best stations in the Moscow subway system that you shouldn’t miss:
The Red Line / Circle Line
Komsomolskaya
Keyword: The yellow ceiling
Komsomolskaya is probably the most featured and recognizable station in the network. The station is the intersection of the Red Line and the Circle Line and one of the very first stations of the subway system. As it’s located under three railway stations, it is also one of the busiest hubs.
The platform is a perfect example of an apotheosis of Stalinist Style – limestone and marble pillars, grey granite floor, enormous chandeliers, mural mosaic and Baroque style ceiling decorated with precious stones, they are telling the story about the Russian fight for independence and glorious victories throughout history.
Drak Green Line
Mayakovskaya
Keyword: Soviet poet and a ballroom
Another unforgettable moment on the Moscow subway journey. The station is named after the Soviet poet, Vladimir Mayakovsky, who is a prominent figure of the Russian Futurist movement. Hence, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see how his spirit reflected in the design of the platform – It looks like a warmly-lit modern ballroom! Apart from the wide arches, huge domes, and lamps, check out the 34 mosaics on the ceiling that represent “24 Hours in the Land of the Soviets”, they depict a Soviet future envisioned by the poet.
Dark Blue Line
Ploshchad Revolyutsii
Keyword: 76 giant sculptures
This is one of my favorite stations and it is unforgettable as well because of the 76 magnificent giant sculptures of Soviet people that embedded on every corner on the platform. Called the revolution Square, it is for the people – the sculptures feature families and children, to athletes, farmers, industrial workers, hunters, to soldiers. I love this station because of the boldness of these sculptures and its theme is taken from all walks of life.
Circle Line
Taganskaya
Keyword: Panels of light blue and white
Back to the Circle Line. Taganskaya’s magnificent panels, on both sides of the platform, though inspired by Russian folklore, are about war. The light blue and white decorations feature bas-relief profile of ships, sailors, airmen, and other military figures of the Red Army and Navy – which, to the Russian, are important in their history and victory.
Circle Line
Novoslobodskaya
Keyword: Stained glass and “Peace Throughout the World”
The 32 beautiful stained glass panels, adorned by a brass border, in Novoslobodskaya are what the station is known for. Illuminated from within, the panels feature floral patterns and a range of characters from sailors, artists, architects, and engineers. At the end of the platform is a mosaic “Peace Throughout the World”, created by Pavel Korin.
Circle Line
Belorusskaya
Keyword: Statue “Belarusian Partisans”
The station is connected to Belorussky Rail Terminal. The station features an elaborately patterned plaster ceiling, light fixtures supported by ornate scroll-shaped brackets, and a variety of decorations based on Belarusian themes. The statue, “Belarusian Partisans”, installed on the passage was another showstopper of the Belorusskaya, it commemorates the 100,000 partisan fighters from Belarus.
Circle Line
Krasnopresnenskaya
Keyword: Bas-Reliefs
Another intersection station of the Brown Line and Purple Line. Compared to the other subway stations, Krasnopresnenskaya has a rather subtle theme, decorated with red granite pylons with white marble cornices. Look out for the 14 bas-reliefs that depict the events of the Russian Revolution of 1905 and the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Circle Line
Prospekt Mira
Keyword: Golden Mosaic
The station is rather romantic with floral elements and softer color tone. In the center are medallion bas-beliefs featuring the different aspects of the development of agriculture in the Soviet Union. The eyecatcher here is the hysterical golden mosaic at the end of the passage.
How wonderful to get a glimpse of the underground world of Moscow. I wanted to see beyond the lettering over the pictures though.
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That’s true and thanks Elaine. There are many stories to tell. 😊
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Wow I never knew the subway in Russa was so pretty! How different does it look from the subway here in New york.
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Thanks This Wanderlust Heart. New York subway has a different vibe but Moscow subway stations are stunning
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I’ve been inside many Moscow subway stations, and I never thought about doing a post just about that. You really went into a lot of detail and it is a good guide to the Moscow subway. Well done!
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Thanks Sarah and there are so much to see! ☺️😊👍🏻
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I must agree with you, the subways are beautiful. I liked your video. I only see this in movies. I can’t help but be amazed with their architectural design.
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Thanks Farrah! They are just amazing!
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I always equate Soviet architecture with perfunctory cement block buildings. The subway stations of Moscow changed my mind. They really are clean and elegant in their own right. It’s a good day when I learn something new. P.S. the layout of the lines and rings looks like something an engineer would draw.
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I think the Russian incorporated different architectural styles and made it their own somehow. Some of the structure are post-soviet and modern! 😊
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Such a beautiful subway stations! I’m loving those tunnel shots. Too classy and artistic architect. That hysterical golden mosaic one is superb.
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Yes! Every corner has a story and that’s history in life. 😊
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Beautiful photos!! It looks like such a stunning place I would never have guessed it to be a subway station. I love that you were able to see such beauty in something that would normally seem so ordinary!
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I agree Freedom Chasers!!
The stations are stunning and it would feel so great to traveling in them every day 😆
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I had no idea these stations were so majestical, but I am curious… why is golden mosaic hysterical? Does it have a certain history? I know I’d certainly love to have a commute through these train stations!
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Yes they are! Each station has their own history and fascinating stories. You will find out when you are there!!
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I love your pictures! I’ve heard that Moscow’s subways stations are among the most beautiful ones in the world. I’m surprise to see also how clean they are. They rather look like museum hallways, no kidding! I’d love to photograph them too.
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Thanks Anda and yes, they are very clean and in order. 😊
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Nice pictures & blogpost! 💞I recognized that you saw a lot of our beautiful world and honestly, I’m a little bit jealous! Greetings from Germany 🌈
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Thanks!m and I am glad that you enjoyed my posts! Please come by again and we could share our experience!
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