The red line of the St. Petersburg metro is one of the most important architectural monuments of the city. The most remarkable stations of the Kirov-Vyborg line are those that were built first in the 50s of the last century. It is worth highlighting the interior of the lobby of the Narvskaya metro station - St. Petersburg has the right to be proud of its architecture, which is in perfect harmony with the terrestrial views and the atmosphere of the city. Not for nothing that in December 2011 the station was included in the state register of cultural heritage sites of regional significance - its historical significance and beauty - both outside and inside - impress visitors to the city no less than ancient streets and museums. What is the history of the Narvskaya metro station and how is its modern life going on?
History of Narvskaya Station
Like all stations of the first stage, starting with Avtovo and ending with Uprising Square, Narvskaya was opened on November 15, 1955. The design name of the station has undergone changes until the very last - initially it was featured in the drawings and documents as “Stachek Square”, then a proposal was received to rename it to “Stalin”. However, at the last moment, the decision was reconsidered again, and an order was issued to assign the Narvskaya metro station to its modern name in honor of the Narvskaya Zastava district.
The appearance of the station "Narvskaya"
Often, city guests and foreigners confuse the Narvskaya metro building with a cathedral or church - massive carved doors and a dome are unlikely to be a common attribute of the lobby of a transport hub. The impressive view of Stachek Square with the magnificent Narva Gate of bright emerald color is remembered for a long time by everyone who passes by on a sightseeing bus or leaves the city from the pavilion. Nevertheless, the appearance is not the only visual advantage that the Narvskaya metro station can boast of - Petersburg impresses with its architectural delights not only on the ground, but also at a depth of several tens of meters.
Underground facilities of the Narvskaya station
The depth of the Narvskaya metro station is 50 meters. The pylon station was designed by architects D. S. Goldgor, A. V. Vasiliev and S. B. Speransky. The main theme of the design of the station was chosen labor and the road of Soviet citizens on the way to a brighter future. Until 1961, at the end of the station there was a panel depicting Stalin on the podium, but later it was covered by a wall. Subway employees claim that the image has been preserved, but ordinary citizens are unlikely to see it. Now in the fenced space, which previously served as a conference room, there is the Avtovo driver’s station. High reliefs representing various professions worthy of the shock builder of communism are of particular value to the interior of the Narvskaya metro station: Breeders, Soviet Warriors, Doctors, Metrostroyevtsi and many others.
Design features of the Narvskaya station
The line between the Narvskaya and Kirovsky Zavod metro stations is the longest between the stops between the stops on the first section of the red line that was built. Its length is 2.5 kilometers. Also, “Narva”, having a track development, has never been either a terminal station or a transfer station. It was repeatedly included in the plans for a complete reconstruction in the 2000s, but each time perestroika was postponed - from 2010 to this day, Narvskaya has never been closed for repairs.
Narvskaya metro station: modern life
Stachek Avenue and the picturesque square near the metro are a representative place for the construction of various business centers. The average passenger traffic of the Narvskaya metro station for a month is more than one and a half million people. Passengers stepping on the threshold of the lobby, wanting to get to the place of work, usually do not pay attention to the decoration - it is most important to receive fresh information by e-mail and, sometimes, on news sites. Like all stations in St. Petersburg, the Narvskaya metro provides the opportunity to use the services of leading mobile operators. The lobby doors close for passengers at 0 h 36 min, and again ready to let in at 5 h 36 min.
Station “Narvskaya” is not so popular with tourists from other cities and countries due to the less powerful advertising campaign, however, an experienced guide will certainly not miss the opportunity to accompany city guests to it. Stachek Square is not only picturesque, but also a stunning cultural monument of St. Petersburg. Foreigners who visit this area are often very impressed, but they should remember that photo and video shooting in the lobby and underground metro facilities is prohibited, so friends and relatives will have to describe the types of metro in words and photographs from the Internet. Nevertheless, the inspiration given by the architecture of the interior and exterior of the station is in no way inferior to the shock of what was seen in the city center. Truly, all the facets of St. Petersburg are beautiful in their own way, each worth considering and exploring closer to fully cover the mysterious and vast city.