The main monument of Vladimir is undoubtedly the Golden Gates, built between 1158 and 1164 on the orders of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. They are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. These gates served as an ornament to the entrance of the princely-boyar part of the city and were an important defensive structure of the ancient capital of Rus, surrounded by seven gates and a powerful rampart.

Over their 855-year history, the Golden Gates have witnessed numerous events. In 1238, they survived the invasion of Batu Khan, when, according to legend, the gilded leaves of the gates were sunk in the Klyazma River and were never found. In the 17th century, the gates witnessed a time of turmoil, and in the 20th century, the February and October revolutions. All these events became mere episodes in the history of the symbol of ancient Russian statehood. Many Russian emperors and Orthodox saints passed through the gates, paying tribute to the heroism of their ancestors.

Many legends are associated with the Golden Gates. One of the most famous tells that Empress Catherine the Second could not pass through the gates, and her son later positioned himself there to enjoy a view inaccessible to his mother.

Today, the Golden Gates have retained their grandeur and are considered a jewel of ancient Russian architecture. In 1992, they were included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and in 1995, a commemorative 3-ruble coin was issued in the series "Architectural Monuments of Russia."

Currently, a museum operates at the Golden Gates, which is part of the Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve. Its exhibition features artifacts from the time of Batu's invasion in the 13th century to the Russo-Turkish wars of the 19th century. Visitors can touch this silent witness of Russian history.