Catherine's Gate

Catherine's Gate (Romanian: Poarta Ecaterinei, German: Katharinentor, Hungarian: Katalin-kapu) in Brașov, Romania, was built by the Tailors’ Guild, in 1559 for defensive purposes to replace an old gate destroyed by a flood in 1526.

In fact the central tower is only a part of the original gate; documents talk about the existence of a wooden structure which was demolished in 1827.

Old documents mention it under the name of Porta Valacce, the Vallah's Gate because it was the only entrance for the Romanians living in Șcheii Brașovului.

Romanians could only enter the town at certain times and had to pay a toll at the gate for the privilege of selling their produce inside the citadel.

Above the entrance the tower bears the city's coat of arms, a crown on an oak tree trunk and roots.