The Gate of Honour is a historical landmark in Cambridge, England. It is one of the three gates that were designed by John Caius, the founder of Gonville and Caius College, in the 16th century. The other two gates are the Gate of Humility and the Gate of Virtue.
The Gate of Honour is a small triumphal arch that symbolizes the academic achievement of the students who pass through it. It is only used for special occasions, such as graduation ceremonies, when the students walk from the college to the Senate House to receive their degrees.
The Gate of Honour is decorated with various sculptures and inscriptions, such as the coat of arms of the college, the motto of John Caius, and the figures of the four evangelists. The gate is also adorned with the initials of John Caius and the date of its completion, 1573.
The Gate of Honour is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, and it was probably influenced by the Flemish architect Theodore de Have, who worked with John Caius on other projects. The gate is regarded as one of the most beautiful and iconic structures in Cambridge, and it has been featured in many books, paintings, and photographs.
The Gate of Honour has also been a target of vandalism and protest, such as when it was spray-painted by Extinction Rebellion activists in 2020, who demanded that the college divest from fossil fuels. The college condemned the act and said that it would cost thousands of pounds to restore the gate.