Golden Gate of Vladimir

About this place

The Golden Gate of Vladimir is an ancient Russian city gate built between 1158 and 1164, the only one of its kind to survive, if only in part. It belongs to a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed in 1992 and lies about 32 km in a straight line from Suzdal. The gate survived the destruction of the city in 1237, but by the late 18th century it had decayed so much that Catherine the Great feared to pass under its arch. In 1779 she ordered detailed measurements and drawings, and in 1795 its vaults and upper church were demolished and rebuilt. The massive white gate with its tall arch stands on a rise in the city centre, crowned by a small church with a gold dome. Remains of the old grassy earth rampart surround it, and inside is a small museum on the city's 13th-century history. The gate sits amid traffic, so take care crossing the road. It pairs well with Vladimir's nearby cathedrals and a trip to Suzdal. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia, and non-Russian bank cards may not work, so read the current advice before you plan.