Naples' new metro station is a work of art. Designed by a renowned sculptor

A unique new metro station has opened in Naples. Where you might expect only standard escalators, a structure completely unrelated to public transport has been created. Known for his impressive designs, Anish Kapoor has created sculptural, mythological portals that evoke a descent into hell.

Architecturally impressive metro stations can be found in many European metropolises – suffice it to mention Olaias in Lisbon, Westfriedhof in Munich, and Westminster in London . Monte Sant'Angelo in Naples has just joined this group, finally opening after more than two decades of construction and numerous delays on September 11th. Technical limitations slowed the work, as the steel structures required numerous modifications. However, the results were worth the wait.

The station, located in the Traiano district, has undergone a major renovation as part of an urban and cultural revitalization project. However, anyone who thinks the renovation involved repainting the walls or laying colorful tiles is mistaken. The project was designed by none other than world-renowned contemporary artist Anish Kapoor.

The British sculptor of Indian descent is known for his large-scale works, often displayed in public spaces. He is responsible for such iconic structures as "Cloud Gate," located in Chicago's Millennium Park, and "Leviathan," a massive red structure that fills the entire space of the Grand Palais exhibition hall in Paris.

The Monte Sant'Angelo station is distinguished by its unusual form. Instead of a typical underground metro entrance, Kapoor created sculptural portals, referencing mythology. The entrance from the nearby university is particularly impressive. Made of Corten steel, the rusty brown mass seems to emerge from the ground like a massive volcanic fragment, not without reason evoking associations with the gates of Dante's inferno.

The platform exit on the other side, meanwhile, has a smooth, contrasting form, resembling a polished, precisely cut ring.

"In the city of Vesuvius and Dante's mythical entry into Hell, I felt it was important to try to grapple with what it really means to go underground," the 71-year-old artist said, as quoted by Time Out magazine.