Kingsgate is one of two surviving medieval gates of Winchester's city walls, and it carries a remarkable extra structure: the miniature Church of St Swithun-upon-Kingsgate, perched directly above the archway. The combination of gate and church dates from the medieval period, and both are still in their original use — the gate still admits vehicles and pedestrians, and the church holds occasional services.
The gate marks the boundary between the cathedral close and the area around Winchester College. Passing through it, you move from the relatively open cathedral precinct into the narrow lanes of the college neighbourhood, with College Street running east to west. The whole district — gate, college, ancient lane, Jane Austen's last house — is one of the most complete medieval streetscapes in England.