Walled cities were common during the medieval era and it's charming to see remnants of them that still persist into the modern era.

These four gates were obviously constructed at the cardinal compass points and would be closed at night to provide security for the citizens.

Nowadays there is no need for such walls but back in the 1300's it would have been comforting to be enclosed in a defended area at night where you could sleep in peace safe from robbers or invaders.

The walls are symbolic, but aside from one incident I recall some years back when North Koreans tried to take control of one gate, these beautiful gates stand for protection--they are not designed to wall people out but defend those within.

The East Gate that you feature, @slowwalker is a beautiful tower gate that does look lovely in its surroundings and as you say, it blends well with the architecture of modern buildings.

Unfortunately, the gate of perfect virtue bears the scars of war, an ominous sign that people are still at risk from aggressors and need to be protected. Hopefully, this will not always be so.

A lovely post, @slowwalker, with many beautiful photos.