Gate facts for kids

A gate is like a special opening in a wall or fence. It can be opened and closed to let people or things pass through. Think of it as a controlled doorway.

Long ago, in the Middle Ages, many cityes had tall walls around them for protection. City gates were the main entrances. They controlled who could come in and out of the walled city.

Today, you might hear about "gates" at airports. When you are about to board an aircraft, you gather in a specific area. This area leads to a doorway that takes you onto the plane. This is also called a gate.

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  A typical gate in a garden or park.

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  Ishtar Gate is the oldest city gate in existence.

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  Gates to official residences often feature elaborate ironwork.

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  Port Gate in Szczecin, Poland

Types of Gates

Gates come in many shapes and sizes, and they serve different purposes. They can be simple or very fancy.

Garden Gates

A garden gate is usually found in a garden or park. It helps keep pets in or out, and it marks the entrance to a special area. These gates are often made of wood or metal.

City Gates

In ancient times and the Middle Ages, city gates were very important. They were part of a city's defenses. These gates were often strong and heavily guarded. They controlled trade and travel into the city. The Ishtar Gate from ancient Babylon is a famous example. It is one of the oldest city gates still around today.

Airport Gates

At an airport, a gate is where passengers wait to board their aircraft. It is a specific area with a walkway that connects directly to the plane. This helps keep passengers organized and safe before their flight.

Decorative Gates

Many gates are also works of art. They can be found at the entrances to large homes, palaces, or important buildings. These gates often have beautiful designs made from ironwork or other materials. They show off the style of the building. For example, the gate of Castel Béranger in Paris is a great example of Art Nouveau style.

Cultural Gates

Different cultures have unique gate designs. For instance, the Candi bentar is a traditional gate found in Indonesia, especially on the islands of Java and Bali. In Japan, the Torii gate is a special entrance to a Shinto shrine. The Torii at Itsukushima Shrine is very famous and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Images for kids

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  Gate from Bucharest (Romania)

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  Art Nouveau gate of Castel Béranger (Paris)

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  Candi bentar, a typical Indonesian gate that is often found on the islands of Java and Bali

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  Japanese Torii at Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Japan, where the Hindu goddess Saraswati is worshipped as the Buddhist-Shinto goddess Benzaiten

See also

In Spanish: Verja para niños