Moscow metro

The Moscow metro is the fastest and cheapest way to reach many points in Moscow with 10 radial lines and one circular (more are being constructed) and over 200 kilometers of track. It operates from 5:30 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. Metro stations are identified by the red (M) signs. Trains run at intervals of 2-4 minutes, 1-2 minutes during rush hours. The loud speakers announce (in Russian of course) the next coming stop and the stop you are on. The doors open and close automatically.
Every station has a police post, a first-aid station and telephones – local and international.
Metro (magnetic) cards are available at all stations.

The Moscow metro was constructed in the early 1930’s and is famous for its palatial marble stations with mosaics, chandeliers and precious materials. Particularly notable stations are: Komsomolskaya (1952), Kievskaya (1954), Mayakovskaya (1938-39), Novoslobodskaya (1950), Ploshchad Revolutsii (1939). The architectural style and the fascinating design of many Metro stations deserve the name of the “Underground Palace”.

The Mayakovskaya Metro station is truly considered to be the main architectural masterpiece of the Moscow’s Metro. This is a station, which lays deep underground, it belongs to the first, the oldest line of the Moscow’s Metro.

The station was opened in 1938. The station mock-up was successfully displayed the same year at the International exhibition in New-York. Marble of two types was used to decorate the walls and columns of the station.

Moreover, rodonite matches beautifully with green-black diorite and the silvery steel columns. The vaulting of the central hall of “Mayakovskaya” station has 33 mosaics executed to cartoons by famous Russian artist Alexander Deineka. The theme of all mosaics is called “One Day of Soviet Skies”.
The light character of structures emphasised by the sparkling bends of stainless steel is shaded by red and pink shades of rodonite, a fine semi-precious stone.

There are many other Metro stations, which always attract tourists and visitors from all over the world. The bronze sculptures in the hall of the “Ploshchad Revolyutsii” station show the way up, right to the City Centre, Red Square. The Museum on the History of the Metro is at the entrance of Metro Sportivnaya.