A 1986 Soviet collectible postcard depicting the Golden Gate of Kyiv, an outstanding monument of defensive architecture of Kyivan Rus, reconstructed as a protective pavilion.
What is shown on the postcard
The front side of the postcard features a view of the reconstructed Golden Gate pavilion. The structure consists of a two-tiered brick tower topped by a single-dome Annunciation Church with a gilded dome and cross. The sides of the pavilion mimic ancient earthen ramparts topped with a wooden breastwork. Trees are planted near the monument, and a paved sidewalk with pedestrians is visible. In the background on the right, the facade of a four-story historical building at the intersection of Volodymyrska and Yaroslaviv Val streets is noticeable, along with parked passenger cars. In the lower-left corner, there is a printed inscription “КИЕВ”.
Historical note
The Golden Gate of Kyiv was erected in the first half of the 11th century during the reign of Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise as the city’s main triumphal and defensive gate. Over the centuries, the fortification fell into ruin, and by the 19th century, only two parallel ruined brick and stone walls remained, which were partially excavated and conserved in 1832.
On the eve of the celebration of the 1500th anniversary of Kyiv in 1982, a protective pavilion was built over the ruins, visually recreating the supposed historical appearance of the gate. The construction hid the original ancient walls inside, protecting them from weathering, and became one of the key symbols of Soviet Kyiv in the 1980s.
Present day
Currently, the Golden Gate operates as a museum site under the National Sanctuary “Sophia of Kyiv”. Inside the pavilion, authentic 11th-century masonry is preserved, and the exposition is dedicated to the history of the ancient fortifications of Kyiv. The square around the monument is a popular pedestrian area, and the nearby metro station of the same name is located close by.
Location (map)
Address: 40A Volodymyrska St, Kyiv, Ukraine
Coordinates: 50.448833, 30.513333
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the center of the Golden Gate pavilion in Kyiv.
Questions and answers
- When was the Golden Gate reconstructed in the form shown on the postcard? The reconstruction of the gate as a protective pavilion was completed in 1982 for the celebration of the 1500th anniversary of Kyiv.
- What is inside the reconstructed pavilion? Inside the pavilion, there is a museum displaying the authentic ruins of the ancient 11th-century walls and an exhibition dedicated to the history of Kyiv’s fortifications.
- What elements of the original monument have survived to this day? Fragments of two parallel brick-and-stone walls dating back to the 11th century have survived and are currently preserved inside the modern pavilion.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kyiv from 1986.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.