The gates of the Court (including the open space inside the gate) had the level of sanctity of the Court, with the exception of the Nikanor Gate. The Nikanor Gate was not deemed holy since the lepers would stand there to receive the blood of their offerings on their thumbs and big toes. This was a part of their purification process. (Source: Pesachim 85). 
The Gate of the Offering
Contents:   Part I,    Part II,    Part III,    Part IV,    Part V,    Part VI,    Part VII