Arch of the Centuries - a monument, located in the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, 15 meters from the main gate. National Museum of the Philippines announced the Arch of the Centuries national treasure that serves as a reminder of the relationship of the university campus with a Spanish heritage. The monument became a symbol of the acquisition of knowledge - a gateway to greatness, which passed through generations of students, including graduates of the University of the Philippines national hero Jose Rizal, and the first President of the Republic Manuel Quezon.

Centuries Arch was erected in 1611 on the territory of the old district of Intramuros in Manila, which then housed the University of Santo Tomas. When the university moved to a new building in the district Sampalok, arch was dismantled and also moved to a new location, where it is collected in its original form.

Once Arch now facing the main building of the University, he served as the main entrance into it, but during the Second World War, it was destroyed. The current Arch of the Centuries was built in strict accordance with the original. It consists of Doric columns, but its details clearly emerges the baroque style. The inscription on the arch reads: "Entrance to the history of the best generation of the Philippines", which serves as a reminder that many university graduates have had a significant impact on the history of the country. In the left column there is a memorial plaque with the name of Jose Rizal, on the right - with the name of Manuel Quezon. On top of the arch settled plaques describing the life of St. Thomas Aquinas (-to English - Santo Tomas), the patron saint of the university and all the Catholic schools.

All students entering the University of Santo Tomas, are a kind of initiation rite, known as the "Trail of Thomas Welcome" - they must pass under the arch. Archway and graduates - in the framework of celebrations on the occasion of a bachelor's degree. This tradition began in 2002. There is an old belief, according to which the archway is possible only in those cases - for admission to the university and after graduation. It is believed that if to break this rule, the fate will do so that the student will be expelled from school.