The most distinctive surviving feature of the medieval walls, the Five Arches is a curved barbican gate built into South Parade in the late 15th century. Its design — a single original gateway flanked by smaller defensive arches — was chosen for both economy and effectiveness, letting a handful of defenders cover the approach.
Today it is the photogenic gateway into the old town from the south, with cars and pedestrians still passing through where horses and merchants once did. The wall walk on either side is the best stretch from which to imagine the town's medieval defences.