Vladimir's main attractions are its medieval white-stone churches, among the oldest surviving buildings in Russia. All three major monuments sit along the main east-west avenue and can be visited in a half-day walk.
The Assumption Cathedral is the masterpiece — built in 1158 with frescoes by Andrei Rublev inside. The Cathedral of Saint Demetrius is smaller but famous for the extraordinary carved stone relief covering its upper walls. The Golden Gate marks the western end of the historic centre with a military history museum inside. For something darker, the Vladimir Central Prison northeast of centre is one of Russia's most notorious penal institutions.