Golden Gates is one of the top tourist attractions in Kyiv and one of the most valuable historical sites in the country. Golden Gates served as a fortress for many year protecting the city of Kyiv and its inhabitants from the enemies.
In the 11th century the nomadic tribes tried to cease Kyiv. But thanks to the efforts of Yaroslaw the city was saved. In order to better protect the city of Kyiv the Golden Gates were erected. It was built in 1164 right after the erection of the fortified walls around the New city.
Today it is also called Zoloti Vorota, which means Golden Gates in Ukrainian language.
For many years the Golden Gates were also the main entrance to the city. Golden Gates was made of stones, and heavy oak doors served as a secure entrance. On the top of the Golden Gates there is a viewing platform.
In the 13th century the Golden Gates (Zoloti Vorota) was partially destroyed by Mongol invasion. According to some sources the building was burred in the 18th century.
In 1832 the remnants of the Golden Gates were found. Zoloti Vorota, which are able to observe to day in Kyiv is a mixture of the pieces of the Gates found years ago and the reconstructed building, which was made in the 20th century.
Later the impressive statue Yarolsav was put in the small park, where you can find the Golden Gates today.
Golden Gates in Kiev were the entrance and tower at the same time, triumph arch, leading to the main aristocratic street of the city. Unfortunately with time the building was ruined step by step because of the weather and fight attacks.
The Gates were aslo a meeting spot and entrance point, commemorated in historical archives and associated with Kiev city.
In 1648 Bogdan Khmelnitskyi was met by Kievers at the Golden Gates to celebrate the victory at the Yellow Waters.
In 1654 the Russian Embassy entered the Golden Gates coming to Kiev to celebrate the reunion.
In the middle of 17th and 18th centuries the reconstruction of the fortified constructions started in Kiev. In the middle of the 18th century the remnants of the memorial of Golden Gates were buried under the ground and near them a new construction was erected with exactly same name.
In 1832 the Golden Gates were reopen again for the visitors.
In 1970 to preserve the remnants of the Gates it was suggested to cover them under ground. At the same time the initial view of the Golden Gates was restored.
This way the ruins of the monument remain safe and there is possibility to show the Kievers and guests of the capital the initial design of the Golden Gates.
Pavilion was open in May 1982 and this event was devoted to the celebration of 1500 anniversary of Kiev.
Today visitors can see the remnants of the original Golden Gates in Kiev inside of the exhibition of the building. The stairs inside construction lead to the top of the building, to enjoy marvelous views of Kiev city.
More information about the history and culture of Ukraine can be found in our article “Interesting facts about Ukraine“.