Ecaterina's Gate is the only original city gate to survive
from medieval times. In fact the fairy-tale looking tower which was built in
1559 is only a part of the original gate; documents talk about the existence
of a wooden structure which was demolished in 1827. The four small corner
turrets (also seen in other Transylvanian towns) symbolize the fact that
the town had judicial autonomy, and the "right of sword" (ius gladii) which
was the right to decide on capital punishment. Above the entrance the tower
bears the city's coat of arms, a crown on a tree trunk. The gate was in the
care of the taylors' guild.