Vladimir is an ancient Russian city, located on the Klyazma River, at the distance of about 200 km to the
east of Moscow. Modern Vladimir is a part of the Golden Ring, a famous chain of old Russian cities as well
as a significant tourist centre.
Vladimir is famous for its monuments of architecture, representing Vladimir and Suzdal architectural school.
The most popular sights are the Golden Gates, The Assumption Cathedral and the Cathedral of St. Demetrius.
The Golden Gates
The Golden Gates of Vladimir, that were constructed between 1158 and 1164, are the only survived example of
the ancient Russian city gates. The museum inside the gates 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, but
they have been saved only in Vladimir.
The gates survived the Mongol destruction of Vladimir in 1237. The monument received new damages at the
beginning of the 17th century during military actions. The building of the Gates has been reconstructed
for several times. The final restoration took place in 1785.
The monument is enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Assumption Cathedral
The magnificent five-dome Assumption Cathedral was designed as a sepulcher of grand princes
and was dedicated to the holy icon of Vladimir Theotokos, which had been brought to the city by
Andrew the Pious. The cathedral was constructed in 1158-1160. It was painted by one of the
most famous icon-painters - Andrei Rublev. In 1810 a lofty bell-tower in neoclassical style was added.
The monument is enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Cathedral of St. Demetrius
The warrior-shaped cathedral of St. Demetrius was built in 1194-1197 as a private chapel of
Vsevolod the Big Nest in the courtyard of his palace and was consecrated in the name of his holy patron,
St. Demetrius. For all its formal unity, the cathedral represents truly magnificent work of Russian and Byzantine masters.
You can find a tour to Vladimir in our selection of Golden Ring Tours and Day Trips from Moscow.
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