Arch of the Centuries is a monument situated on the territory of Manila, University of Santo Tomas 15 metres from the main gate. National Museum of the Philippines declared the Arch of the Centuries, a national treasure that serves as a reminder of the connection of the campus with Spanish heritage. The monument became a symbol of the acquisition of knowledge – the gateway to greatness, which passed through generations of students, including graduates of the University of the Philippines ' national hero josé rizal and first President of the Republic Manuel Quezon.

Arch of the Centuries was erected in 1611 on the site of the old Manila Intramuros, where was located the University of Santo Tomas. When the University moved to a new building in the Business district, the Arch was dismantled and transferred to a new location, where it collected in its original form.

Once the Arch, standing now in front of the main building of the University, served as the main entrance, but during the Second World war it was destroyed. The current Arch of the Centuries, was built in exact accordance with the original. It consists of Doric columns, but in its details clearly emerges the Baroque style. The inscription on the arch reads: "Enter into the history of the generation's best of the Philippines" that serves as a reminder that many University graduates had a significant impact on the history of the country. The left column is a memorial plaque with the name Jose rizal, on the right – with the name of Manuel Quezon. On top of the arch there are signs describing the life of St. Thomas Aquinas (English – Santo Thomas), the patron Saint of the University and all Catholic schools.

All students entering the University of Santo Tomas, are kind of a rite of initiation, known as "Welcome Thomas Trail," they must pass under the arch. Pass under the arch and graduates in the framework of the celebrations on the occasion of receiving the degree of bachelor. This tradition began in 2002. There is an old belief, according to which passing under the arch only in those cases when enrolling in University and after graduation. It is believed that if this rule is violated, then fate will make it so that the student will be expelled from the educational institution.