Golden Gate, Kiev (A modern reconstruction)
The Golden Gate of Kiev (Ukrainian: Золоті ворота, Zoloti vorota, literally 'golden gate') is a historic gateway in the ancient city walls of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. The name Zoloti Vorota is also used for a nearby theatre and a station of the Kiev Metro. Currently is located on the Volodymyr Street in Kiev.
This gateway was one of three constructed by Yaroslav the Wise, Prince of Kiev, in 1037. Originally named as simply the Southern the gates were among other three gates of the city fortification with other being called: Ładski and Żydowski. The stone fortifications stretched for only 3.5 km (~2.5 mi). The Żydowski gates were approximately located at the Lviv Square, and the Ładski gates - at Maydan Nezalezhnosti. Later the Southern gates began to be called as the Grand gates before the construction of the golden-dome Blahovist church which was established in the close proximity to the gates and easily seen from the outside of the city. Since that time the gates were known as the Golden Gates of Kiev. It was reputedly modelled on the Golden Gate of Constantinople, from which it took its name. In 1240 it was partially destroyed by Batu Khan's Golden Horde. It remained as a gate to the city (often used for ceremonies) through the eighteenth century, although it gradually fell into ruins.
In 1832 the ruins were excavated and an initial survey for their conservation was undertaken. Further works in the 1970s added an adjacent pavilion, housing a museum of the gate. In the museum one can learn about the history of construction of the Golden gate as well as ancient Kiev.
In 1982, the gate was completely reconstructed for the 1500th anniversary of Kiev, although there is no solid evidence as to what the original gates looked like. Some art historians called for this reconstruction to be demolished and for the ruins of the original gate to be exposed to public view.
The Golden Gate of Kiev
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