Vladimir announced the capital of the Vladimir-Suzdal Principality, Prince Andrew Bogolyubsky ordered to strengthen the city, carrying it in 1158 an impressive shaft. A little later, five entrance gates were built, of which only Gold survived, which served as the main entrance to the most prosperous part of Vladimir. Initially oak gates were upholstered with sheets of copper, which glistening in the sun, evoked a sense of power, cast gold, hence, in fact, the name.
Legends of the Golden gate
The antiquity and grandeur of the Golden gate gave rise to legends about them, one of which says that during their construction,
the vaults fell, covering 12 people. Doubt that workers died no one had any, but by order of the Bogoliubsky, brought the icon of mother of God before which he appealed to heaven with a request to save the poor. To everyone's surprise, when the ruins were raked, it turned out that people are alive. In honor of this event, it was decided to erect a small chapel above the gate.
In addition to the main entrance, the Golden gate also served a defensive function: the wooden flooring of the gates served as a battle ground, from where the defenders of the city shot the enemies approaching it.
And, of course, the Golden gate embodied a symbol of princely power, proclaiming the greatness and wisdom of Prince Andrew.
When in 1238 yoke came to Vladimir, the inhabitants of the city decided to hide all the main relics, including gilded gates, which today are officially considered lost and listed in the UNESCO registers. According to one of the existing versions of the townspeople, wanting to save his relic, drowned sash in the Klyazma. It is believed that the gilded doors are hidden in the hiding place of the Foundation of one of the city walls.
Golden gate today
Today, the former gate Church houses the exposition of the military history Museum, where you can see a large-scale diorama depicting the assault of the city by the troops of Batu Khan. The harmonious combination of the visual range with spectacular narration comments gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the details of the capture of Vladimir by the Mongol-Tatars. Also at the exhibition you can see weapons and military equipment of different time periods, materials about the outstanding Russian generals, whose names are somehow connected with Vladimir and its surroundings. Here you can see the portrait of Alexander Suvorov, the sculpture "Minin and Pozharsky", on a special porch is" gallery of heroes-Vladimirtsev", participants of the great Patriotic war.