Moscow metro…there is so much to tell! It is surrounded by astonishing facts, mysteries, and urban legends. Built in 1935, it’s the second most heavily used transit system in the world! Almost 9 million people use it every day!
During the earlier years, the metro was built mainly by Komsomol volunteers. Thanks to their determination, the project was a success. You see, Soviet Union missed both knowledge and experience in the field. Many foreign specialists said it would be impossible to accomplish the task. And yet-here it is.
Some of the stations are a work of art. When you get off the train, don’t be surprised if you see beautiful statues, mosaics and carvings.
Here is a short list of stations you should visit:
Kurskaya
Ploschad Revolutsii
Arbatskaya
Smolenskaya
I just love their grim, “Citizen Kane” kind of style. Reminds me of giant zeppelins, kitchen robots and rocket cars.
Oh, and I didn’t mention talking computers.
Many of the earlier built stations are deep. Very deep. That’s because comrade Stalin wanted them to be giant shelters in case the Bomb fell. In many places, especially in the passages, there are built-in steel sections. They actually cover blast doors that would quickly seal off the station in case of emergency.
Older stations are not the only ones suited for fallout survival. For example, in Savelovskaya station, there is a built-in decontamination camera right by the entrance! I doubt it works, but this relic is a gloomy reminder of the Communist times.
The Cold War myths and facts
It’s time for some urban legends. I won’t speak about obvious nonsense, such as ghosts and giant rats. But one mystery is worth mentioning. It’s the so called “Metro-2″. The myth says that Moscow metro contains a secret tunnel network. It connects the Kremlin, Ministry of Defense, bunkers, command posts and other strategic objects.
These tunnels run for tens of kilometers (and far out of Moscow!). They allow quick evacuation of Russian leadership. And they lie much deeper than usual metro. It seems hard to believe, but here is another fact. “Metro-2″ is not the only secret object in Moscow. There is a whole underground city built by the military during the Cold War. It’s hard to estimate the amount of money invested in creating this colossal hideout.
A piece of advice
Some tips on using the Moscow metro.
1) Try to have a local guide by your side. Not all Muscovites speak English. If you have some problem – the guide will help you out.
2) Watch your belongings closely. Pickpockets are a pain, especially during peak times. Which brings us to…
3) Avoid rush hours. Try to use the metro between 12 and 2 PM. Otherwise you risk getting stuck in a crowd.
4) Learn your route well. Unfortunately,the signs are mostly in Russian. So make sure you know the number of stations you have to go, all of the passages, etc. See point 1 also.
5) Get ready for noise. The trains are loud, so prepare to tolerate some acoustic disturbance.
Moscow metro is a major cultural and historical landmark. It will greatly enrich your travel experience, so try to visit it.
About the Author
Anton Borodko is an owner of Moscow Insider’s Guide, which delivers insider tips and advice to anyone who plans to visit Russia or just know it better.
Anton’s rich muscovite experience ensures the quality and actuality of the information, and lets his visitors get the most out of their trip.
I’m not talking about full blown dress like your gay but if you are sort of metro.
You style your hair daily. You wear cologne. Wear nice clothes etc. Not really metro but not like a normal dude.
I’ll talking about for the ladies
Sooooooo what your saying is do girls like normal dudes? Yes sweetie, theres nothing wrong with taking pride in your appearance… Just don’t take longer in a mirror than your girl
This square ‘Metro Classsic’ area rug from Horizon is handmade from 100-percent New Zealand wool. Shades of grey, green, and rust dance about this lush hand-carved rug in broad, waving strokes for contemporary style.
Add modern style to your home decor with this hand-tufted Safari rug. The rug is crafted of New Zealand blended wool and features a fresh contemporary pattern.
This round ‘Metro Classsic’ area rug from Horizon is handmade from 100-percent New Zealand wool. Shades of grey, green, and rust dance about this lush hand-carved rug in broad, waving strokes for contemporary style.
Use these genuine sterling silver beads as spacers on your interchangeable bead braceletSet of two beads fit most popular interchangeable bracelet chainsBeads showcase ornate granulation
A floral pattern blending Cuban sand and toffee within green oasis completes the look of this hand-tufted metro rug. This rug is crated from a wool blend and features a contemporary style.
The Samsung SCH-R400 cell phone is a slim slide-style phone with Bluetooth capabilities and a 1.3-megapixel camera. The phone operates on the Metro PCS network which allows access to downloadable games and applications.
This unique Metro bathroom fixture features a brass finish with white bubble shades. This eye-catching bathroom light is the perfect way to add modern style to any room.
Genuine sterling silver beads make great spacers on your interchangeable bead braceletsBeading supply fits most popular interchangeable bead bracelet chainsJewelry accessory features a darling heart design all round the bead
Rows of modern stencil prints in updated floral and rococo motifs on a neutral ground, the Soho quilt set defines metro chic style. Metallic tones of grey, washed-out gold and pewter are fashion-forward and match any color scheme.
With rows of modern stencil prints in updated floral and rococo motifs on a neutral ground, the Soho quilt set defines metro chic style. The quilt reverses to a coordinating geometric neutral herringbone print.
Use these genuine sterling silver beads as spacers on your interchangeable bead braceletSet of two beads fit most popular interchangeable bracelet chainsBeads showcase ornate openwork squiggle design all around bead
Use these genuine sterling silver beads as spacers on your interchangeable bead braceletSet of two beads fit most popular interchangeable bracelet chainsBeads showcase ornate openwork floral filigree
With rows of modern stencil prints in updated floral and rococo motifs on a neutral ground, the Soho quilt set defines metro chic style. The quilt reverses to a coordinating geometric neutral herringbone print.
Genuine sterling silver beads make great spacers on your interchangeable bead braceletsBeading supply features a closed loop soldered to the outsideJewelry accessory fits most popular interchangeable bead chains
Timeless styling with today’s touches make this Metro living room chair a welcomed addition in any home. This chair features a tufted button backing made from sage green linen upholstery.
Rows of modern stencil prints in updated floral and rococo motifs on a neutral ground, the Soho quilt set defines metro chic style. Metallic tones of grey, washed-out gold and pewter are fashion-forward and match any color scheme.
A new style has come to town in this metro mid back task chairChair features syncro-tilt infinite lock mechanism with tilt tension knob.Find the perfect setting with this chair’s pneumatic seat height control
B.U.M. Eyeglasses Metro – Provide exceptional comfort and style at a very reasonable price. Order B.U.M. Eyeglasses Metro online and save! Childrens Womens Metal
Dan’s Optical Metro Eyeglasses for Men are available at BestBuyEyeglasses.com in the following colors: Black, Yellow. The style is Oval and the frame material is Metal. Dan’s Optical Metro Metal. These frames accept prescription lenses.
Take away Metro Station’s connections to the Hannah Montana franchise, and what remains is strikingly similar to Panic! at the Disco: a group of teenaged emo boys with an affinity for teenaged emo girls, MySpace, and electro-pop beats. Both bands owe their initial success to a computer-obsessed age where groups are signed on the strength of their MySpace plays, regardless of their history as a live act (which, indeed, is how both of these acts were awarded contracts). It’s a genre that relies as much on style — the members’ haircuts, the cut of their jeans, the swoons they’ll induce — as substance, and Metro Station is certainly all about style on this glossy debut. To the band’s credit, there are some perfectly acceptable cuts here, particularly the tracks where keyboardist/programmer Blake Healy runs amok. He is the band’s secret weapon, supporting his two frontmen with enough bubbling synth to keep the ship float. However, it’s below the surface that the quartet runs into trouble, as not much exists beneath the polished sheen of teenaged lyrics and electronica-lite. Take the club-worthy “Shake It,” whose stirring chorus is a genuine call to the dancefloor for even the most dedicated of wallflowers. But the verses are little more than high-school fluff, delving so far into the hormonal desires of their jailbait songwriters (“Your lips tremble but your eyes are in a straight stare; we’re on the bed but your clothes are laying right there”) that the memorable song — once a guilty pleasure — now simply makes the listener feel guilty. This doesn’t always have to be the case; a teenaged Eve 6 once asked their listeners to “tie [them] to the bedpost” in “Inside Out,” and the song still topped the charts. Eve 6 sounded old, though, while Metro Station bask in their illegality with songs like “Seventeen Forever” and the tellingly-titled “Wish We Were Older.” Scattered moments of pop craftsmanship remain, but Metro Station is largely a destination for the same impressionable audience that made Hannah Montana a hit. ~ Andrew Leahey, Rovi Performers: Anthony Improgo – Drums; Ghost Of Harlem – Keyboards; Joshua Cain – Bass, Guitar; Justin Pierre – Vocals (Background), Guitar; Mason Musso – Vocals, Guitar; Sean Gould – Guitar; Trace Cyrus – Vocals, Guitar
The GnarlyFish laptop slipcase is a fashionable way to carry your laptop. Designed in a metro style it’s a great choice for any 16″ laptop. Lightweight, affordable and made from a durable material it provides great protection for your laptop. It will help prevent scratches and damage caused by everyday use thanks to the interior padding. It’s also equipped with extra storage pockets so you can carry discs, cables, etc.
Combining contemporary style with a hint of modern luxury, the Metro Bedroom Set creates a stylish and sophisticated setting that’s perfect for the relaxation you need. The bedroom set includes bed, 2-drawer Night Stand, 6-drawer Dresser and Mirror. It includes everything you need to create a chic and stylish space and the perfect tranquil environment for rest. Each piece in this collection features oak veneer in wenge finish with platform slat system for mattress support, factory pre-assembled casegoods, and auto-return feature on all drawers. A lovely wall mounted mirror complete the look of this set. Manufacturer: Beverly Hills Furniture. Brand: Beverly Hills Furniture. Part Number: METRO
Carry your Metro vacuum and accessories in style! The Metro Soft Pack Dryer & Vacuum Carrying Case accommodates almost all of Metro’s vacuum cleaners or auto dryers, with room to spare for carpet cleaners, brushes, and accessories. The stylish bag gives you an easy, organized way of transporting your Metro vac, whether you’re a mobile detailer or hobbyist on the go! The Metro Soft Pack Dryer & Vacuum Carrying Case has soft sides to provide some cushion for the vacuum or dryer. Numerous, large pockets hold brushes, cleaners, vacuum attachments, and towels. The bag features an easy-access top opening. All Metro products fit in the Metro Soft Pack Dryer & Vacuum Carrying Case, with the exception of the Metro Wall Mounted Vac N Blo Sr. Bring your Metro vac with you in the sharp-looking, well-made Metro Soft Pack Dryer & Vacuum Carrying Case. The Metro Soft Pack Dryer & Vacuum Carrying Case has an easy-access top opening. The Metro Soft Pack Dryer & Vacuum Carrying Case accomodates all portable Metro vacuums. Approximate dimensions: 22″x12″x12″. Made in the U.S.A.
With its sensuous curves, sleek design and flair for the dramatic, the leather match Metro Black Chaise Lounge will add a bold, contemporary look to any room’s dcor. This piece is durably crafted to provide years of enjoyment with its kiln-dried hardwood frame that is glued and reinforced to offer strength, while the high density foam cushion wrapped in polyester fibers gives you a supple and relaxing seating experience that will last for years. The sloping contoured chaise with espresso wood legs achieves the perfect balance between style and comfort. Top grain leather lines the tufted surface of the piece, while sides and back are finished in leather match vinyl to complete the look. Metro Chaise measures 76 inches long by 30 inches wide by 36 inches high. Manufacturer: Diamond Sofa. Brand: Diamond Sofa. Part Number: METROB
Yes sweetie, theres nothing wrong with taking pride in your appearance… Just don’t take longer in a mirror than your girl 
