The St. Stephen’s gate system allows access to the medieval Pigna district, situated along the road from the sea. Each gate corresponds to a different ring of the city wall system, established following the expansion.of the settlement.
The first gate, dating from the 16th century, has a tower as a means of defence against North African Barbary pirates. The second is late medieval (15th C.), the third is dated 1321, as may be seen from plaque over the gate.
To the left of the gate is the vallai passageway, resulting from the construction of houses above the free ground beneath the first walls. All as a result of the expansion of the city.