Gate

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 entry, 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.

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 conjuction with gates to facilitate passing the moat; moats were often used to increase the effective height of the walls.

See also: City gate, Triumphal arch, Torii, Turnstile, domotics.