Yaroslav's City

Yaroslav's City is a medieval fortified settlement in central Kyiv that originally covered around 80 hectares and was enclosed by defensive walls, gates, and towers. The archaeological remains and standing structures now lie within the Shevchenkivskyi district and form part of a route connecting several historical sites.

Prince Yaroslav the Wise founded the settlement in 1037 as an extension to the existing city of Vladimir, incorporating monasteries and churches into its layout. The defensive system originally included the Golden Gate and other fortified structures that were later reconstructed or partially destroyed.

Saint Sophia Cathedral sits at the heart of the settlement and displays Romanesque features with preserved frescoes from the 11th century decorating its interior walls. Visitors can see layers of time in the decorations and construction methods that reflect different periods.

The remains of the settlement are located at central points in Kyiv and are reachable on foot, with some marked routes and pathways available. Visitors should plan time to explore the various structures and monuments that are spread across multiple blocks.

The Golden Gate, a main element of the original defensive system, was fully reconstructed in 1982 based on medieval architectural plans. The reconstruction demonstrates how engineers restored a historical structure using historical records and archaeological evidence.