Kyiv is home to the third oldest Metro system to be constructed in the former Soviet Union (after Moscow and St Petersburg). It first opened on 6 November 1960 and now extends to three lines, 52 stations and 68 kilometres of track. Some of the stations mirror the grandeur of their Moscow antecedent – this is hardly surprising as the two schemes had architects in common. Zoloty Vorota (Golden Gates) station on the green line is particularly grand, with vast arched platforms illuminated by a swathe of bronze chandeliers.
From a subterranean viewpoint, perhaps most impressive is Arsenalna Station, which is situated on the original Sviatoshynsko-Brovarska (red) line dating from 1960. Its claim to fame comes from being the deepest Metro station in the world, at a staggering 105.5 metres. The station is named after the neighbouring Kyiv Arsenal which dates from the 18th century (unlike London’s Arsenal station which is named after the football team so in a sense both are related to shooting). The platforms are reached by two flights of seemingly endless escalators, the journey taking around five minutes.
