Arsenalna Metro Station: The Deepest Metro Station in the World - Kyiv Subway System, Ukraine
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| Arsenalna Metro Station Platform |
Arsenalna (Арсена́льна) Metro Station in Kyiv, Ukraine, is a symbol of engineering excellence and historical significance for over half a century, holding the record as the deepest metro station in the world, located 105.5 meters (346 feet) below the surface. The station is part of the Kyiv Metro's Sviatoshynsko-Brovarska Line and was opened to the public in 1960. Here is what is feels like to ride a subway train in the deepest bowels of the earth as far as mass transit commuter systems are concerned.
Arsenalna station is named after the nearby Arsenal Factory, a prominent industrial site that played a significant role in Kyiv’s history, particularly during the early Soviet period. Arsenalna was constructed during the Soviet era, at a time when Kyiv was expanding rapidly, and the need for a reliable public transport system was growing. The construction of such a deep station was necessary because of the hilly terrain of Kyiv and its proximity to the Dnipro River, which made it essential to go deep underground to avoid natural obstacles.
Watch: Exploring WORLD'S DEEPEST METRO STATION: @vagabondcouple at ARSENALNA, Kyiv, Ukraine
The design of Arsenalna reflects the typical Soviet architectural style of the 1960s. It has a minimalist yet elegant appearance, with marble walls and wide corridors. The interior features white and grey marble, giving it a clean, grand look. Unlike many metro stations built during the same period, Arsenalna has a simple design without elaborate decorations, focusing instead on functionality and resilience. The entrance is modest, blending in with the surrounding buildings on Arsenalna Square.
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| Arsenalna Metro Station Platform |
Building Arsenalna Metro Station was a huge engineering challenge. The construction team had to dig through layers of rock and soil, as well as deal with underground water from the nearby Dnipro River. Special tunnel-boring techniques were employed to maintain safety, and the station was built using reinforced concrete to withstand the pressure from the depth. One of the most impressive aspects of Arsenalna is its long escalator ride, which takes about 5 minutes to reach the surface. The station has two escalators, each around 87 meters long, making it one of the longest escalator rides in the world.
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| One of the two Escalators at Arsenalna Metro Station |
Arsenalna is not only a transportation hub but also a site of historical importance. It connects the central parts of Kyiv to areas like Pechersk and Arsenalna Square, which are home to several landmarks, including the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and the Motherland Monument. The station has witnessed significant events in Ukrainian history, from Soviet-era parades to more recent gatherings and protests.
Today, Arsenalna Metro Station is a popular stop for both locals and tourists. It serves as a gateway to some of Kyiv’s most iconic sites and offers a unique experience due to its remarkable depth and engineering feats. For visitors, the long escalator ride provides a moment of reflection and a glimpse into the impressive underground infrastructure of Kyiv's metro system.
Our photo-story of exploring Kyiv continues at "Kyiv, Ukraine: Discovering the City of Golden Domes and Hidden Gems".
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