The Golden Gates
The Golden Gate was the main gate of ancient Kyiv, the capital of Kyivan Rus, a federation of East Slavic peoples in 9-13 century
Was completed by 1024, during the rule of Yaroslav the Wise, the Grand Prince of Kyiv. In his hands here he is holding another architectural antiquity build during his rule — Saint Sophia Cathedral. Together with the Golden Gates they considered to be the oldest standing buildings in Eastern Europe
The reason why Yaroslav was called the Wise is that during his rule the first legal code of Kyivan Rus was created. It was called Rus Justice and it is also one of the earliest remaining texts written in Ukraïnian
This is how he got his place on the banknote of 2 Hryvnia
Standing open air the gates got severely damaged by 19 century
In 1982, celebrating 1500 years of Kyiv, the gates were completely renovated according to the architectural style of ancient Kyiv
Unrefined bricks inside are the original wall remained from the 11th century
A small chapel inside
Hidden gem #1
One can climb on the top of the gates and admire a wonderful view over the city
Bell Tower of the Saint Sophia Cathedral
Pointy roof of the Baron's castle
