Golden Gate

Vladimir, Russia

The Golden Gate of Vladimir, constructed between 1158 and 1164, is the only preserved ancient Russian city gate. A museum inside focuses on the history of the Mongol invasion of Russia in the 13th century.

The Golden Gates existed in the holiest cities of Eastern Orthodoxy: Jerusalem, Constantinople, and Kiev. On making Vladimir his capital, Andrew the Pious aspired to emulate these structures, commissioning a lofty tower over the city's main gate to be erected in limestone and lined with golden plaques. According to ancient Russian chronicles, the masons were invited from Friedrich Barbarossa. The main arch used to stand 15 meters tall. The structure was topped with a barbican church dedicated to the Deposition of the Virgin's Robe and symbolizing the Theotokos's protection of Andrew's capital.

The gate survived the Mongol destruction of Vladimir in 1237. By the late 18th century, however, the structure had so deteriorated that Catherine the Great was afraid to pass through the arch for fear of its tumbling down. In 1779, she ordered detailed measurements and drawings of the monument to be executed. In 1795, after many discussions, the vaults and barbican church were demolished. Two flanking round towers were constructed in order to reinforce the structure, and artisans then reconstructed the barbican, following the drawings made in 1779.

References:

Comments

Your name


Address

ulitsa Kozlov Val 11, Vladimir, Russia
See all sites in Vladimir

Details

Founded: 1158-1164
Category: Castles and fortifications in Russia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org
www.vladimir-russia.info

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


Dormition Cathedral (0,8 km)
Cathedral of Saint Demetrius (0,9 km)


Cathedral of the Nativity (32,3 km)
Suzdal Kremlin (32,3 km)
Saint Euthymius Monastery (34,2 km)
Church of Boris and Gleb (34,1 km)
Bogolyubovo (11,5 km)

User Reviews

Venkatesh Kumar (6 months ago)
Token of history. Shows how the beautiful city of Vladimir was born !!!
Nhatz Mania Igorota (7 months ago)
Been here, it looks amazing! Though in my inner thoughts : it doesn't look like a gate, nevermind it looks awesome though
Nicholas Carter (7 months ago)
Interesting, but not a huge draw for younger kids.
Aleksandr Fedorov (8 months ago)
Interesting place to see where old city started. From this place uou can walk along the street to see al other monuments.
Oleg Naumov (10 months ago)
The Golden Gate of Vladimir, built in 1158-1164 according to order of Duke Andrey of Vladimir and Suzdal (1111-1174) also known as Andrey Bogolyubsky (Godloving). There were only four Golden Gates in the world, in Jerusalem, Constantinople, Kiev and Vladimir. That gatehouse has over gate church atop. Here, from internal side, you Cann see the Icon of Virgin Mary with the Child over the passage. Leaves of the gate were covered with golden foliage and reflected golden light on the building. Golden Gate saw the assaults of Mongols under Batu Khan (? - 1255) in February 1238 and Tartars of Edigu Khan (1352-1419) in 1408. There is the Historical Museum inside.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

History of Guernsey & Jersey
Photo from Flickr, copyright Nicola since 1972

Historic Site of the week

Royal Palace of Naples

Royal Palace of Naples was one of the four residences near Naples used by the Bourbon Kings during their rule of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (1734-1860): the others were the palaces of Caserta, Capodimonte overlooking Naples, and the third Portici, on the slopes of Vesuvius.

Construction on the present building was begun in the 17th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. Intended to house the King Philip III of Spain on a visit never fulfilled to this part of his kingdom, instead it initially housed the Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro, count of Lemos. By 1616, the facade had been completed, and by 1620, the interior was frescoed by Battistello Caracciolo, Giovanni Balducci, and Belisario Corenzio. The decoration of the Royal Chapel of Assumption was not completed until 1644 by Antonio Picchiatti.

In 1734, with the arrival of Charles III of Spain to Naples, the palace became the royal residence of the Bourbons. On the occasion of his marriage to Maria Amalia of Saxony in 1738, Francesco De Mura and Domenico Antonio Vaccaro helped remodel the interior. Further modernization took place under Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. In 1768, on the occasion of his marriage to Maria Carolina of Austria, under the direction of Ferdinando Fuga, the great hall was rebuilt and the court theater added. During the second half of the 18th century, a 'new wing' was added, which in 1927 became the Vittorio Emanuele III National Library. By the 18th century, the royal residence was moved to Reggia of Caserta, as that inland town was more defensible from naval assault, as well as more distant from the often-rebellious populace of Naples.

During the Napoleonic occupation the palace was enriched by Joachim Murat and his wife, Caroline Bonaparte, with Neoclassic decorations and furnishings. However, a fire in 1837 damaged many rooms, and required restoration from 1838 to 1858 under the direction of Gaetano Genovese. Further additions of a Party Wing and a Belvedere were made in this period. At the corner of the palace with San Carlo Theatre, a new facade was created that obscured the viceroyal palace of Pedro de Toledo.

In 1922, it was decided to transfer here the contents of the National Library. The transfer of library collections was made by 1925.

The library suffered from bombing during World War II and the subsequent military occupation of the building caused serious damage. Today, the palace and adjacent grounds house the famous Teatro San Carlo, the smaller Teatrino di Corte (recently restored), the Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III, a museum, and offices, including those of the regional tourist board.

Map Top Sights Tags Historical Periods City Guides About Us Sign Up Upload new site
© 2021 SpottingHistory.com. All rights reserved.