The medievaleuropean city was fundamentally defense-oriented and developed organically around a strong core.
At the highest point, a castle or monastery overlooking the entire city is located.
The city walls define the physical boundary of the city and control its expansion; within these limits, the city typically exhibits a dense and compact structure.
Its urban fabric adapted to topography and was shaped by a narrow, irregular, and “labyrinthine” street network.
The street network functioned as a defensive strategy. It was difficult for invading armies to navigate.