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The Golden Gate of Kyiv. Picture Courtesy of Oleh Kushch

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Golden Gate, Kyiv

The Golden Gate is commonly known as “Zoloti Vorata” which quite literally means ” Golden gate”  was the main gate in the 11th-century fortifications of Kyiv (today Kyiv), the capital of Kievan Rus.

It was named in imitation of the Golden Gate of Constantinople. The medieval entrance was built in 1017-1024 by the Byzantine calendar. The gate passageway was about 12 meters (40ft) high and 6 meters (20ft) wide.

For almost half a millennium, it served as the city Triumphal Arch, a prominent symbol of Kyiv. The structure was dismantled in the Middle Ages, leaving few vestiges of its existence. It was entirely rebuilt by the Soviet authorities in 1982.

Lets now look at some fantastic facts about Golden Gate o Kyiv;

1. The Gate served as the main Triumphal Entry

Having been built with large dimensions, Golde Gate in Kyivserved as the major triumphal entry and a defendable doorway to the fortified area of the city, and it was built about the same time as Saint Cathedral and the upper city defenses.

The golden Gate was constructed of brick and stone and had a tower with a vaulted hallway(12m high and up to 7.5m wide), a platform for soldiers, and the little church of the Annunciation.

2. There is a Kyiv Golden Gate museum 

Golden Gate Park, Kyiv. The park holds a small museum. Picture By Maksym Kozlenko

Nowadays, the pavilion that was built for the Golden Gate is a museum. A few exhibitions can be seen which are dedicated to the excavation and reconstruction of the golden gateway, as well as the remains of the Golden Gate itself.

Around the monument, there is a small park full of benches along with a beautiful fountain.

One can have a rest in the shade of the chestnut trees or visit one of the many cozy cafes and restaurants around that area.

3. Golden Gate is a Historical site

History lovers have all the good reasons to visit this historical gate. You can go and see this tall and beautiful gate in Kyiv.

In the early days to protect cities from outside invasions building giants was a norm. This gate was also constructed with the same purpose in the early 11th century to protect the city from invasion by the nomadic tribe.

Unfortunately, the gate was dismantled in the late middle ages. The gate acted as the main entrance gate of Kyiv city and this was reconstructed in 1982. 

4. The rebuilt Golden Gate keeps elements of the original Gate

Golden Gate was damaged during the Mongol onslaught in 1240 and later on by others. All efforts to repair the gate failed and then in the 18th century the gate was covered with earth.

After that, for almost half a century no one could see the gate. It was only during the 1832 excavation exercise that the ruins of the gate were discovered. After that attempt to rebuild the gate started.

Lots of objections against building the gate completely new as opposed to keeping the original piece were raised.

Finally, the gate was reconstructed in 1982. The newly built gate is also quite beautiful and contains the walls and sections of the arch of the original gate. Stones and brick remnants of the original gate were used.

5. Golden Gate is a UNESCO World Heritage site

Golden Gate, Kyiv with UNESCO Heritage status. Picture By Maksym Kozlenko

World Heritage Sites are special. They are chosen based on some special criteria and thus they automatically happen to be one of the favorite tourist sites. 

Golden Gate of Kyiv is also a World Heritage Site that makes it one of the Key Attractions in Kyiv. The gate is one of the few buildings of Kyiv Rus.

6. Golden Gate is Easily Accessible

Sometimes you avoid making an extra effort to visit a place. However, that is not the case with the Golden Gate.

There is a nearby Zoloto Vorota metro station on the Green line of the Kyiv metro to this gate. The metro station takes its name from the name of the gate itself.

The gate is located in Yaroslav Val Street which stretches from the Golden Gate to Lviv square. One can walk this street to have a good time as well.

7. There are other attraction sites near Golden Gate worth visiting

National Opera House of Ukraine. Picture Courtesy of Poster

Golden Gate is located in the center of the city. This makes it all more worth visiting because you can go to any other place from here quite easily.

You know a nearby metro station as well now. So we are naming a few popular tourists site in Kyiv that you can go and visit once you are done at the Golden Gate.

These places include names like Baron Shteingel’s Castle, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, House of Baron Steingel’s Refuge, Taras Shevchenko Monument, Saint Sophia Cathedral, Elephant Spa, and Panikovski Monument.

8. There are food joints near the Golden Gate

Food Cafeteria in Kyiv. Picture By Jorge Franganillo 

No place can be attractive enough without food joints around it. Before and after exploring the Golden Gate you want to have some food. Don’t worry as there are many food joints to eat and drink nearby the Golden Gate.

The most popular one is Golden Gate. You can enjoy breakfast and lunch here and beer lovers can taste special beers on the offering.

You can also enjoy games like dart, and billiard, watch sports on a big TV screen and live music here.

9. The rebuilt Golden structure is cool as well

A new pavilion was built in 1970 over the ruins. This was created to keep the original look intact and at the same time to protect the remains of the original.

This pavilion was rebuilt in 1982. There is a tourist information center and a small museum inside this pavilion.

You can also enjoy a great view of the city from the top of the pavilion. There is a bronze monument to Yaroslav the Wise right in front of the Golden Gate.

Another statue of a cat called Pantyusha is also attractive. People love to take pictures and selfies here.

10. A bronze monument of Yaroslav stands at the gate

A bronze monument of Yaroslav the wise. Picture by Sergiy Bobok.

The gate was built by Yaroslav the Wise, Grand Prince of Kyiv. A bronze monument of Yaroslav the Wise stand in front of the gate.

There is also a smaller and curious statute of a cat bronze called Pantyusha. In 1997 a free at the nearby Pantagruel restaurant resulted in the death of its popular cat.

Staff and diners raised some money and erected the statue in its memory. It is now a popular photo opportunity for tourists.