Golden Gate, Ancient gate in East Jerusalem, Palestine.
The Golden Gate is an entrance in the eastern wall of the Temple Mount with two arched passageways supported by massive Corinthian columns. The structure is built from pale limestone and rises to about 11.5 meters (38 feet), with both arches now sealed and forming an impassable facade.
The current entrance dates from the Byzantine period around the 6th or 7th century and was modified during the Umayyad era. Ottoman rulers sealed the passageways in the 16th century to prevent an ancient prophecy about the entrance of the Messiah.
The name comes from the Byzantine tradition, when gilded bronze doors shone in the sunlight and could be seen from afar. Muslim worshippers call it Bab ar-Rahma, meaning Gate of Mercy, and used the prayer hall inside until it was sealed.
The entrance is visible from the Kidron Valley but cannot be accessed due to the sealed arches. The best views of the facade are from the slopes of the Mount of Olives or from the Muslim cemetery located directly in front.
A medieval Jewish belief holds that the Messiah will enter the city at this spot. The Ottoman sultan placed a cemetery directly in front to prevent entry, as Jewish priests are forbidden to walk over graves.
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