In the middle of the 12th century Vladimir became capital of Vladimir-Suzdal Principality. There is a legend that a miracleworking icon painted by St. Luke the Evangelist instructed Andrei Bogolyubsky which town was to become the capital. However, already in 14th century Vladimir became subordinate to Moscow, where the Grand-Ducal and Bishop’s thrones were transferred to. Today Vladimir is a city with a developed infrastructure, famous, besides its architectural and cultural monuments, for its souvenirs made of birch bark, wood, fabric (kerchiefs, towels, patchwork), and also for the gem and enamel jewelry, cut glass, lacquered miniatures.

Golden Gates.
It is a unique monument of the Old Russian defense architecture. The edifice combines the elements of a defense turret, a church and an arch of triumph. Its name reflects the supreme importance of this edifice for the town, however, literally it is explained by the fact, that the outside of the oak gates were covered with sheets of gilded copper. The Golden Gates were entered into UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Old Believers’ Trinity Church was built in the beginning of 20th century in Pseudo Russian style. A permanent exhibition of laquerware from the settlement of Mstera (60 km from Vladimir) was opened there, also a display of coloured glassware and cut glass from the town of Gus-Khrustalny works there. One may also have a look at embroideries made in the white satin stitch technique.

Cathedral of the Assumption (12th century).
Before the first half of 15th century it was the country’s main cathedral, where Grand Dukes were crowned and buried. Before being transferred toMoscow, the Russian sacred object – the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir was kept there. In 1408 painting of the cupola and the iconostasis was entrusted to Andrey Rublev and Daniil Chorny, famous icon painters. Unfortunately, one cannot see that ancient iconostasis in the Cathedral today, its icons now embellish the halls of the Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow) and the Russian Museum (St. Petersburg). Now the visitors can see a carved 18th century iconostasis made on the order of Catherine II. As a sign of gratitude, her portrait in an ermine mantle was placed in the iconostasis near to the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir. Of the frescoes a set of the Last Judgement murals by Andrei Rublev and Daniil Chorny have survived since 1408.

Cathedral of St. Dmitri (12th century).
There are more than 1000 carved images on its walls, many of which have not been interpreted as yet.

The Vladimir-Suzdal Cultural Preserve, The Museum of History.
It describes the territory’s development from the ancient times to 1917. Also, it houses the children’s museum “An ancient man’s cave”, where children may try to strike fire, make clay pots, paint an animal on the wall and familiarize themselves with stone implements.