Golden Age Vladimir, Russia

the city s historically significant events occurred after turn of 12th century. serving original purpose defensive outpost rostov-suzdal principality, vladimir had little political or military influence throughout reign of vladimir monomakh (1113–1125), or son yury dolgoruky ( far-reaching ) (1154–1157).

dormition cathedral venerated model cathedrals on russia



st. demetrius cathedral, shown on 1912 photo, famous masterfully carved exterior, representing biblical story of king david.

under dolgoruky s son, andrey bogolyubsky (1157–1175) (also known andrew pious), city became center of vladimir-suzdal principality. had golden age, lasted until mongol invasion of rus in 1237. during time, vladimir enjoyed immense growth , prosperity. andrey oversaw building of city s golden gates , dormition cathedral. in 1164, andrey attempted establish new metropolitanate in vladimir, separate of kiev. rebuffed patriarch of constantinople.

scores of russian, german, , georgian masons worked on vladimir s white stone cathedrals, monastery, towers, , palaces. unlike other northern buildings, exterior elaborately carved high relief stone sculptures. 3 of these edifices stand today: dormition cathedral, cathedral of saint demetrius, , golden gate. included among white monuments of vladimir , suzdal, designated unesco world heritage site.

during andrey s reign, royal palace in bogolyubovo built, world-famous church of intercession on nerl, considered 1 of jewels of ancient russian architecture. andrey assassinated @ palace @ bogolyubovo in 1175.