Subways and metros are usually just a way to get to your final destination, but in Moscow opulent stations are commonplace. Take a look at these six magnificent underground designs that are listed as cultural heritage sites.

Arbatskaya Station

Designed by Leonid Polyakov, this metro station features multicolored granite slabs on the floor. The pillars have ceramic bouquets and the chandeliers are made of gilded bronze. Legend has it that the station can be used as an emergency bunker.

Park Pobedy Station

At 275 feet, this is the deepest metro in all of Moscow and one of the deepest in the world. The designer says it serves as an ode to the great victories of the Russian people.

Novoslobodskaya Station

This station is known for its 32 stained glass panels lining the walkway designed by artist Pavel Korin. Originally, the architects worried that the panels would make the underground station too similar to a Catholic church, but in the end, commuters appreciated the art.

Komsomolskaya Station

There is no metro station as ornate as this one, representing the height of the Stalinist Empire style. Featuring marble arcades, mosaics, opulent chandeliers and designed in the style of ancient churches, this metro feels like it should be a landmark all on its own.

Mayakovskaya Station

Opening in 1938 and designed by architect Alexey Dushkin, this station really highlights the art deco design of the period.

Teatralnaya Station

The Bolshoi Theater, Red Square and the Kremlin are all important destinations this metro station serves, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it was designed to impress. Massive porcelain reliefs depict dances and music from various regions of the Soviet Union.

The Moscow metro has some truly astonishing designs, and 44 of the nearly 200 stations are recognized by the United Nations as cultural heritage site. All the more reason to visit.