Lion's Gate (Machicolation)

View of the upper portion of the Lion's (St. Stephen's) Gate.

Note the crenellation along the top of the wall.  The open spaces are called "merlons."  In the upper center note the projection from the wall with three openings at its base.  From this "machicolation" boiling liquids could be dropped on attackers.

Note also the long narrow "loopholes" in the wall, through which small arms were fired.

The upper pointed arch of the gate is visible, as are the two pairs of "lions" - one set on each side of the arch.

For a view of the gate and a more complete description Click Here.