The Golden Gate Of Vladimir Town, Russia Editorial Image

The Golden Gate of , constructed between 1158 and 1164, is the only albeit partially preserved ancient Russian city gate. The gate survived the Mongol destruction of in 1237. By the late 18th century, however, the structure had so deteriorated that Catherine the Great was afraid to pass through the arch for fear of its tumbling down. In 1779, she ordered detailed measurements and drawings of the monument to be executed. Two flanking round towers were constructed in order to reinforce the structure, and artisans then reconstructed the barbican, following the drawings made in 1779.