The Forecourt and the Entrance Gates

Next he enclosed the atrium, the forecourt that filled the space leading to the entrances in front of the church. It took in first the court, then the colonnades on each side, and finally the gates of the court. Beyond these, in the middle of the open marketplace, stood the main entrance gates, of exquisite workmanship, which gave passers-by outside a view of the interior that could not fail to astonish them. [a]