The Chain Gate is one of the entrances into the Temple Mount. Built in the time of the Crusaders, its architecture is typical of that period. The gate comprises a double gateway with two openings leading to the Temple Mount. The gateway is an important historical building that ought to be preserved and maintained, but sadly it has been neglected, defiled with haphazard additions of concrete and stone, drilled with holes, and vandalized with spray paint on its ancient pillars and walls. Cables and lights were strung up in a damaging way, with no regard for the ancient architecture.

The Chain Gate is situated within an ancient site, and according to the 1978 Law of Antiquities, it is forbidden to perform any "alteration, repair or addition to an antiquity located on the site;" [article 29a:3].
Police are permanently patrolling the gate, but they have not prevented the destruction. Likewise, the inspectors for the Antiquity Authorities, who are supposed to supervise antiquity sites, have not prevented the damage.