AN OLD CITY GATE

 Ancient Gate

            When visiting old cities in Europe it is not uncommon to see and pass through ancient city gates as many have been preserved. Many times the old gates lead one into pedestrian malls/areas.

            The old city gate in Kiev, Ukraine was built 1017-24 by Prince Yaroslavl to underline his country’s power. We spent some time here as our local guide told us, “Under Yaroslavl’s rule the city increased tenfold.  Nomadic tribes never could penetrate the main gate to the city. During the 16^th and 17^th centuries the gate deteriorated and in the 18^th century it was covered with earth. In 1832 archeologists discovered the ruins and a portion of the gate was restored and protected behind an iron fence.”

At one end of the small park surrounding the gate stands a bronze statue of a little cat.  His ears and tail are shiny from the many rubbings they have received---a sign of good luck. Years ago the little cat smelled smoke and scratched the security people to warn its owners of a fire. The cat acted in time for everyone to make it to safety. But in all the confusion the little cat was forgotten and died of smoke inhalation. A hero cat!