At this site, in the past, there used to exist a Chinese style building with three rooms inside, originally constructed by the Chinese authorities, in 1574, at the old natural isthmus that linked the peninsula to the continent, following a fixed schedule that corresponded to the opening hours of the border. In 1849, the Portuguese authorities constructed an avenue in the Northern part of the city, enabling a more direct access to the Border Gate. The border gate that we see at the site nowadays was initiated in 1870 and finished in 1871. In 1874, Portuguese authorities demolished the old Chinese building that was behind the present portico. There are some inscriptions noted on the portico as record of important historical events relating to the site, also including a sentence by Portuguese poet Luís Camões.
Architectural characteristics:
The Border Gates were designed in the form of a triumphal arch.