Introduction
Vladimir is a gem on the Golden Ring, the circle of towns north-east of Moscow that combine to form a dreamy circuit of gilded domes and monastic spires. This Golden Ring city and one time capital of Russia enjoyed its Golden Age in the 12th century, during which the glorious five-domed Cathedral of the Assumption was built, as were the city's famous Golden Gates.
These gates were not enough to stop the Mongol invasion that saw Vladimir overrun by Mongol-Tartar hordes. Now the city is a little more prosaic and provincial, but enough exquisite examples from its medieval might remain to make it an enchanting stop on a tailor-made Moscow and Golden Ring itinerary.
