For alternate meanings see Gate (disambiguation)

A gate is a point of entry to a space enclosed by walls, or an opening in a fence. Gates may prevent or control entry or exit, or they may be merely decorative.

Larger gates can be used for a whole building, such as a castle or fortified town, or the actual doors that block entry through the gatehouse. Today many gates are opened by an automated gate operator.

History

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In ancient and medieval times, gatehouses of cities and castles were heavily defended and fortified to prevent breaching of the gates. Often the gate would consist of several pairs of doors and iron grates along a tunnel through the gatehouse. The top of the tunnel commonly had murder holes to allow defenders to attack invaders trying to breach the inner doors. Drawbridges were common in conjunction with gates to facilitate passing the moat; moats were often used to increase the effective height of the walls.

A number of gates are used to mark military victories or important occasions as in a triumphal arch.

See also

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• city gate
• triumphal arch
• torii
• turnstile
• domotics
• kissing gate
• lych gate
• Stargate (device).

Image:Gate ajar.jpg|Gates may prevent entry, or they may be merely decorative. Image:Gate at Stevens-Coolidge Place, Andover, Massachusetts.JPG|A small but elegant gate to a meadow path. Image:Pergamonmuseum Babylon Ischtar-Tor.jpg|Ishtar Gate is the oldest city gate in existence. Image:Sankt Petersburg Winterpalast 2005 e.jpg|Gates to official residences often feature elaborate ironwork.

Fortification | Architectural elements | Gates

Tor (Architektur) | Barryire | Brama (architektura)