In the heart of Europe, in the capital of the Ukrainian state, there is a construction, whose age has approached already to the thousandth line. It's about the Golden Gate - the oldest defense construction of Russia and one of the most significant sights of Kiev . It is there that we invite everyone to take a virtual tour.
Golden Gate in Kiev - description
So, what are the notorious Golden Gate? Those who expect to see the sparkling of gold here are waiting for the inevitable disappointment. The Kiev Golden Gate is nothing but a fortress tower with a wide passage, built of stone, which in the era of wooden construction testified to the special importance of the structure.
Above the gate is crowned gate church - a clear testimony for all who enter here, that Kiev is a Christian city. Despite the fact that in their centuries-old history the Golden Gate was literally wiped off the face of the earth, they were restored. Today's appearance of the Golden Gate is as close as possible to their original appearance.
History of the creation of the Golden Gate in Kiev
Chronicles say that the construction of the Golden Gate in Kiev began no less, in 1037. Who built the Golden Gate in Kiev? They appeared in Kiev during the reign of prince Yaroslav Vladimirovich, who did a lot to strengthen and defend Kiev. The Golden Gate was given a significant role not only in the defense of Kiev from the attacks of enemies, but also in creating its image as a city of the great, an impregnable city. It was they who were given the honorable role of the front entrance to the city.
Up to a certain point, the Golden Gate is mentioned in the chronicles under the name Great, and only after the construction of the church over them they acquire the name "Golden". How did this name come about? On this occasion, there are many legends, but the scientists came to the conclusion that they were named so, by analogy with a similar construction in Constantinople, with which Kievan Rus was connected by close ties.
More than two centuries after the construction of the Golden Gate reliably guarded the peace of the people of Kiev. And only in 1240 they were defeated during the attack of the Mongolian army. And then, the Tatar-Mongols managed to destroy them only from the inside, after they broke into Kiev through the weaker Lyadsky Gate.
After their fall, the Golden Gate disappears from the pages of the annals for a long time. The next mention of them can already be found in the documents of the 15th century. At that time, the Golden Gate, although thoroughly destroyed, continued to function, serving as a checkpoint at the entrance to Kiev. In the middle of the 18th century it was decided to fill the Golden Gate with earth, as they were considered unfit for restoration. Said-done, the greatest monument buried under a layer of land, and next built the same name "new building".
Only 80 years later, thanks to the efforts of the archaeologist-amateur K.Lokhvitsky, the Golden Gate was raised from the ground and partially restored. Its modern appearance Golden Gate was acquired in 2007, when their next reconstruction was completed. In the course of the work, everything was done to keep the oldest parts of the gate intact and give the structure an authentic look.
Today in Kiev the Golden Gate Museum is open, where everyone can get acquainted with the history of the creation and reconstruction of the gate, learn as much as possible about the history of Ancient Rus and admire the beautiful view of the ancient part of Kiev. In addition, the space in the opening of the gate is distinguished by excellent acoustics, which is why it became a venue for various concerts.
Address of the Golden Gate in Kiev
All interested persons will get acquainted with this most interesting object. It is worthwhile to write down its address: Kiev, st. Vladimirskaya, 40. The museum is waiting for visitors daily from 10 to 18 hours, from March to September.
