The city’s medieval walls, which are still largely intact, with their gates – or ‘bars’ as they are called – ensured safety of the citizens in mediaeval times.  The ancient bars still stand largely unchanged from the design laid down by their mediaeval architects as a symbol of welcome.  Inside the city walls is a maze of narrow twisting streets, known as Snickleways, mostly laid down during the Viking era, although Stonegate, amongst others, has been a thoroughfare since Roman times.

The world famous Minster is Northern Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral, built on the site of the Roman headquarters building and smaller Norman churches. (See http://www.york-tourism.co.uk for further information).