Dec/16

The Golden Gates of Kyiv

No comments · Posted by Sergei Rzhevsky in Architecture, History, Travel

The Golden Gates of Kyiv is one of the few monuments of defense architecture of the ancient Russian state (Kievan Rus).

Construction of the gates was mentioned in chronicles during the reign of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, in 1037. This fortress-tower was the main ceremonial entrance to Kyiv. Photos by: Maxim Ritus.

The name was probably borrowed from the Golden Gate of Constantinople. Perhaps it was a kind of rivalry with the Byzantine Empire. Another version of the origin of the name says that the culprit is the gilded dome mounted on top of the construction.

The Golden Gates remained the gateway to Kyiv until the 18th century, although over time the building more and more turned into ruins. In 1832, the first measures for its conservation were taken.

In 1970, a pavilion was built near the ruins, which housed a small museum dedicated to the history of the Golden Gates. Later, the museum was moved to the reconstructed Golden Gates, where you can find it today.

In 1982, to celebrate the 1,500th anniversary of Kyiv, the Golden Gates was completely reconstructed. In 2007, another renovation was completed.

Inside you can get acquainted with the exposition of the museum devoted to the history and architecture of the Golden Gates, see the ancient walls of the 11th century, climb the stairs to the Church of the Annunciation, and view the city from above.