Random Most Important Gates in History (21 items)

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  (#20) Washington Square Arch

  Inspired by the Roman arches, the Washington Square Arch was built in 1889 in celebration of the centennial of George Washington's inauguration. It was rebuilt in marble a few short years later and has since become a major New York City monument. It serves as an entrance to Washington Square Park. 
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  (#15) Cinquantenaire

  • Brussels, Belgium

  One of the most impressive structures in Brussels, the Arch of Cinquantenaire is the centerpiece of a park made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgium's independence. Most of the buildings in the park were erected in 1880, but the current arch was completed in 1905. The park is home to many public structures, including art and vehicle museums as well as the Great Mosque of Brussels.
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  (#8) India Gate

  • Delhi, India

  A memorial to the 82,000 Indian soldiers who died during the First World War, it is located in New Delhi. The top of the gate is shaped like a bowl so it could be filled with burning oil to commemorate anniversaries, but it's seldom used. Over 13,000 names of soldiers are inscribed on the structure. 
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  (#5) Arc de Triomphe

  • Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris, France

  One of the most famous monuments in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe stands at an impressive 49.5 meters tall. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his victories in the Napoleonic Wars, it was not finished until 1936. It has since become a focal point of French military parades celebrating historic victories. 
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  (#2) Golden Gate

  Located in Jerusalem, the Golden Gate's is called Sha'ar HaRachamim in Hebrew, which means "Gate of Mercy." It is the only eastern gate of the Temple Mount and has been walled up at various times throughout history. Though it's exact construction date is unknown, the Golden Gate likely dates back to the late Byzantine, and it is thought to be the oldest gate in the current city walls of Jerusalem.

  Jewish tradition holds that the Divine Presence would appear through the eastern gate and that it will again when the Messiah comes. Jews also prayed for mercy in medieval times at the same location as the Golden Gate. Christian texts depict it as a symbol of the virgin birth, as supposedly Mary's parents met at the gate after the Annunciation, giving the gate meaning across religions.
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  (#14) Arch of Titus

  • Italy

  Erected by Emperor Domitian in 81 AD to commemorate his brother Titus, who died that very year, it features a celebration of Titus's military victories, with his Siege of Jerusalem receiving central honors. It has since become the standard for many future arches, most notably the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. 

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