The Chalke was first built in the late fifth century as a monumental entrance to the great palace. It was destroyed by fire in 532 and subsequently rebuilt with a monumental blind dome. In the early tenth century, a small chapel was set on the top of it. This chapel was replaced by a triconch church in the time of Ioannes Tzimiskes (969-976) in which some important relics were kept. Since the centre of the Great Palace shifted to the south of the area (Boukoleon Palace) which was entered usually through the gate under the Kathisma in the hippodrome, the Chalke Gate lost its old function, but continued to exist. In ottoman times, it served as a menagery and was demolished only in 1804.