Oļ the western side of the city stand THE GOLDEN GATES, a rare example of martial-defensive architecture. Today, only two solid white-stone walls are left of the ancient gates, built in 1164. Vladimir's main street began with the Golden Gates, ending with Silver ones. There actually was real gold on the gates, made of oak and covered with gilded copper. They were first damaged in 1238, when the city was sieged by the Tartars. In the 15th century, the church above the gates was reconstructed. They were damaged during battles in the early 17th century, and were fixed and renovated at the end of the 1600s. Finally, in 1785, the structure underwent its latest changes. The earthen ramparts adjoining the gates were demolished, the vault re-laid, and a new brick church was built. These days, the building houses a military and historical exhibition. The right side of the Golden Gates has retained a part of the city's 12th century ramparts, reminding us that the city was once a fortress. In some places, parts of moats, bridges and gates remain. We can still walk down to Kozlov Val (Goat's Rampart) near the Golden Gates, as well as Teatral'niy Val and Nikolo-Galeyskiy Val.