The Polish Gate is a striking Gothic tower dating from the second half of the 14th century, tucked between a medieval church and the inner ring of the town's defensive walls. Despite its grand-sounding name, it was never actually a town gate — and that mystery alone makes it worth a closer look. It is one of those quiet urban gems that rewards curious travellers willing to step off the main square.

The three-storey rectangular tower is a wonderful showcase of Gothic craftsmanship, featuring three horizontally dividing stone moulded cornices, a pointed Gothic window with tracery on the second floor, and a corner pilaster with a niche, stone tracery and a console once intended for a sculpture. The atmosphere here is intimate and unhurried — the tower sits snugly against the old church wall, forming a sheltered corner of the historic town centre. In the soft light of early morning or late afternoon the texture of the medieval stonework really comes alive.

• Town centre (Old Town) — on foot along the town walls, a few minutes' walk, easy

• Located in the town centre, easily visited as part of an Old Town walk
• Best light for photography: early morning or afternoon side light
• Free to visit — exterior viewing only

The name 'Polish Gate' comes from an old interpretation that a trade route to Poland once passed through here — a theory now considered incorrect. For a time the tower housed bells and served as a church belfry, before a fire on Monastery Street in 1849 brought its story to an end.