Golden Gate
The Golden Gate of Kyiv (Zoloti vorota) is a unique fortification gateway in the ancient Kyiv’s walls. It was one of three constructed by Yaroslav the Wise, Prince of Kyiv, in 1017-1024, and served as a main gala entrance to Kyiv. The name of the Gate in Kyiv reminds of famous gate to Constantinople: Kyiv prince Yaroslav Mudry wanted to underline that his country was as powerful as Byzantine Empire.
In 1240 the Golden Gate was partially destroyed by Baty Khan's Golden Horde. All through the 18th century it remained the main entrance to Kyiv and then gradually fell into ruins.
The ruins of the ancient construction were primarily excavated and surveyed for conservation in 1832. Due to further archeological and reconstruction works, conducted in the Soviet Union times, an adjacent pavilion, housing a historical museum of the gate and Kyiv, was created. The reconstructed pavilion of Golden Gate was opened in May 1982, when the country celebrated the 1,500th anniversary of Kyiv.
In 1989 Zoloti Vorota metro station was opened nearby the museum.The bronze monument to Yaroslav the Wise was unveiled near the west end face of the Golden Gate In 1997.