Perhaps Vladimir's most iconic landmark, the Golden Gate, dates back to the 12th century. This outstanding example of Old Russian architecture witnessed many events in the city's history.
Even though the gate has not been fully preserved, it still amazes with its majestic and harmonious architecture. Once, its massive doors were adorned with gilded copper that shone brightly in the sun, which is how the gate got its name. In the 13th century, during the Mongol-Tatar invasion, the copper plates were lost, and their fate remains unknown.
Originally, the Golden Gate served a defensive function as part of the fortifications. It was also used as a kind of triumphal arch through which the princes of Vladimir-Suzdal entered the city, in particular Andrey Bogolyubsky, during whose reign it was built.
Over its many centuries of history, the appearance of the gate changed repeatedly because of fires, wars, and internal strife. Today, the gate church above the Golden Gate houses a museum exhibition where you can see a large-scale diorama depicting the defense of Vladimir against the hordes of Khan Batu in 1238, as well as many other exhibits, including military equipment, armor, and weapons from different eras.
