photo by therefromhere

The Moscow subway system is much more than a means to get around the city. Built to impress and also educate its users, many of its stations feature mosaics and paintings depicting scenes from Russia's history to inspire the socialist spirit. The stations were designed by multiple architects between the 1930s and 1950s and styles range from Neo Classical to Art Nouveau. From the marble floors to the chandeliers, every inch is used to reflect the grandeur of the former Soviet Union. You'll find yourself easily lost, looking up at the ceilings and around at the sculptures, rather than where you're suppose to be going. But in this subway system it's no trouble spending a few hours simply exploring before you go on your journey. It has more the feel of a presidential palace than a humble transport system and all for the price of a single subway ticket.

-- Mascha Geerts