Vladimir is one of the most ancient cities in Russia. It attracts tourists with ancient architecture, temples and cathedrals. If you have never been to this city, then we recommend starting your acquaintance with Vladimir from the architectural monuments that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The most famous sights of Vladimir are the Assumption Cathedral, the Golden Gate and the Dmitrievsky Temple.
Assumption Cathedral
The Assumption Cathedral is a unique monument of white-stone architecture of the twelfth century. For a long time, the Assumption Cathedral was the main temple in the Vladimir lands. Now the state museum is located in the cathedral. The cathedral is decorated with frescoes by the Russian painter Andrei Rublev.
Golden Gate
The Golden Gate was built in 1164, during the reign of Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky. The gates were built for defensive purposes, and also decorated the main entrance to the wealthy princely part of the city. The monument was slightly modified in the eighteenth century, when the vault of the gate and the church, which is located at the top of the gate, were rebuilt.
Now the gate belongs to the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve. In the church, which is located above the gate, you can visit the military-historical exposition. The exposition is dedicated to the events of February 1238, the storming of the city by the army of Khan Batu.
Dmitrievsky Cathedral
Dmitrievsky Cathedral was built in the twelfth century. It is a monument of white-stone architecture, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Chroniclers say that only Russian craftsmen took part in the construction.
The cathedral is famous for its stone carvings. Its white walls are decorated with images of saints, real and mythical animals. Most of the reliefs, and there are more than six hundred of them, have been preserved in their original form, the rest were replaced during the restoration.
Fragments of frescoes from the twelfth century can be seen among the interior decoration. Today the cathedral is run by the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum. It is open to the public.
Vladimir is also famous for its suburban monuments. If possible, visit the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl and the Holy Bogolyubsky Monastery.
