propylaeum
/ˌprɒpɪˈliːəm
/noun (plural propylaea /ˌprɒpɪˈliːə/) Architecture
1The structure forming the entrance to a temple.These venturi formed ventilation flues and water storage tanks, together with the entrance propylaea and dramatic earth sculpture, demonstrating the effect the architects were seeking, ‘the earth rises and falls like a human breast’....
- Distantly inspired by the propylaea on the Acropolis in Athens, it was the first of the ceremonial Doric gateways to rise in modern Europe.
1.1 (the Propylaeum) The entrance to the Acropolis at Athens.
Origin
Via Latin from Greek propulaion, neuter (used as a noun) of propulaios 'before the gate', from pro 'before' + pulē 'gate'.