LIFE IN A METRO

It’s a freezing afternoon in Moscow, Russia. We are at the Red Square, taking in the magnificence of the Kremlin and splendour of St Basil’s Cathedral when our guide suggests taking a tour of the city’s metro stations.

The Internet search results throw up are stunning, with mosaic decorations, stained

The name and design is an ode to futurism and its prominent Russian exponent Vladimir Mayakovsky. It often tops the list of most beautiful Moscow Metro stations and till date is considered as a masterpiece of artdeco architecture. The platform here is narrower than other stations, and elegant arches can be seen instead of massive pillars. The white dome ceiling is dotted with 34 inlaid mosaics that depict “24 hours in the land of the Soviets”. glass, exuberant halls with chandeliers, beautiful paintings and immense statues of historical significance making each station an attraction like no other.

As we make our way down a steep escalator to the station named Revolution Square (Ploschad Revolyutsi), Russia’s rich history comes alive around us.

It was in 1935, under Stalin’s Soviet Union, that the first metro line opened with 13 stations. Today, there are more than 200 stations. And while the metro remains the most efficient way to travel from A to B in Moscow, what makes each station especially unique is its design. You could easily step into a train from a station built in baroque architecture and step out at another with artdeco influences.

And lately, as the Russian capital slowly sheds its Soviet influence, the “palaces of the people” (the original tations were conceived keeping this concept in mind) are giving way to modern, nternational designs. If you are in Moscow, devote half a day to dive nto this underground channel. Arm yourself with a map and get ready or a ride of a lifetime. And if you don’t have too much time to spare, plan tops at the following tations for the ultimate Russian metro experience. 44 of more than 200 stations are listed as cultural heritage sites During the airstrikes of World War II the Moscow subway became bomb-proof shelters. Half a million people found shelter underground.

The Moscow Metropolitan is the world record-holder for on-time departures and arrivals. According to the Moscow transport department, its accuracy equals 99.99%.

The station connects you to the famed Red Square and is rich in both symbolism and architecture. It is typically brimming with tourists. Bronze statues in a long hall with arches showcase the main tenets of Soviet life such as parenthood, warfare, crafts, agricultural labour, etc. If you are the superstitious kind, do rub the nose of one of the bronze dogs. Spotting them is easy. Even during peak hours, Muscovites will rush past it, rubbing their hands on its nose to make a wish.