The entrance to the monastery was through the Holy and Water Gates, which were located in the southern wall parallel to the river. In the 17th century, when the southern wall was rebuilt, new Water Gates were constructed, which were used in everyday life for trips to fetch water from the Kotorosl.

The Water Gates were designed to remain inconspicuous during a possible assault and did not extend beyond the line of the walls. Through the arch, one could enter a narrow passage that could be fired upon from any point. From a stone booth above the passage, equipped with loophole windows, a specially appointed gatekeeper monitored the order. On the combat platform above the gates, a musket or small cannon could be placed. Currently, this passage is blocked by a cylindrical arched vault. Previously, there were four iron gates on the intersecting arches.