Gate of Virtue

gate, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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The Gate of Virtue is a historical gateway located at Gonville and Caius College in Cambridge, England. It was part of a planned sequence of three gates designed by John Caius, who had spent time in Italy and was influenced by Renaissance architecture.12

The Gate of Virtue, built after 1565, is described as a classical portal featuring Ionic pilasters. However, it incorporates a Tudor Gothic arch for the opening, illustrating a blend of styles characteristic of English Renaissance architecture. This architectural approach combined elements of the Gothic tradition with newly introduced Classical forms.2

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Western architecture
England
The Gate of Virtue (after 1565), opening into the new quadrangle, is a fine Classical portal with Ionic pilasters, but with a Tudor Gothic many-centred arch for the opening. Finally, the Gate of Honour (1573) is a separate tiny triumphal arch leading out toward the schools…
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The Gate of Virtue (after 1565), opening into the new quadrangle, is a fine Classical portal with Ionic pilasters, but with a Tudor Gothic many-centred arch for the opening. Finally, the Gate of Honour (1573) is a separate tiny triumphal arch leading out toward the schools…
Read More