The World’s Most Beautiful Underground Palaces: Moscow’s Hidden Luxurious Stations

Moscow metro stations resemble palaces of art. (Photo by Da Zhi Images)

With their dazzling exteriors and opulent interiors, Russia’s palace architecture is world-renowned, attracting travelers to this northern land to experience the grandeur of its noble past. But such splendor isn’t confined to above ground — 40 to 80 meters beneath the surface lie several “underground palaces.”

Matching the grandeur of any palace, these miniature underground palaces are actually Moscow’s proud metro stations. Each station features a unique design, yet all are equally magnificent. Stepping inside feels like entering a palace, adorned with exquisitely crafted marble statues, reliefs, elegant chandeliers, glass mosaics, and murals. It’s as if you’re wandering through an art museum rather than heading to the subway.

Revolution Square Station. (Photo by Da Zhi Images)

Mayakovskaya Station. (Photo by Da Zhi Images)

With nearly 200 stations, you’ll never find two that are alike. Each station has a theme — whether celebrities, politics, or history — showcasing national character. Among the most famous is Mayakovskaya Station, designed in honor of Soviet revolutionary poet Vladimir Mayakovsky. It’s one of the most beautiful metro stations and a prime example of Stalinist architecture before World War II.

The intricately carved wall decorations make the interiors of Moscow’s metro stations truly breathtaking. If the palaces above ground were for the nobility, then these metro stations are the underground palaces belonging to the people.

Komsomolskaya Station. (Photo by Da Zhi Images)