What is the…
Beautiful Gate

also known as: Nicanor Gate or Corinthian Gate

an artist’s impression of the Nicanor Gate

This is the name of one of the gates of the Holy Temple built by Herod (Acts 3:2, 10) in Jerusalem.

It is supposed to have been the door which led from the court of the Gentiles to the court of the women.

It was a grand massive structure, larger, more magnificent, than the other gates and covered with gleaming metal plates. It was also called the Corinthian Gate, as it was made of costly Corinthian bronze far exceeding in value and workmanship the other 9 gates, according to ancient Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. Josephus does not use the name “Beautiful Gate.” He calls it the Nicanor Gate.1

It was named after Nicanor, a wealthy Jew from Alexandria who donated its magnificent Corinthian bronze doors.

1. The ancient Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (born Yosef ben Matityahu) was the author of Antiquities of the Jews and The Jewish War (chronicling the Great Jewish Revolt of 66–70 AD). He mentions the gate in The Jewish War, 5.5.3 (5.201–206).

More information

• Answers about gates in the Bible
• What is Herod’s Temple?
• Answers about bronze and brass in the Bible
• What is Corinth? and what is its significance?
• What is Jerusalem, and why is it highly significant in world history and future events?
• Answers about walls in the Bible