The Golden Gate of Vladimir, built between 1158 and 1164, is the only surviving ancient city gate in Russia. It served as the main ceremonial entrance to the city and was modelled on the Golden Gate of Kiev, which was itself modelled on Constantinople's. The arch is massive — wide enough for carriages to pass through — and the walls flanking it were part of the city's original fortifications.
The upper chamber now contains a small military history museum with exhibits on medieval Vladimir and a diorama of the Mongol siege of 1238, when Batu Khan's forces stormed the city and burned much of it. The siege effectively ended Vladimir's role as the capital of Rus. The gate is at the western end of the main boulevard, about 700 metres from the Assumption Cathedral, and makes a natural starting or finishing point for a walk through the historic centre.