The ancient Muslim city (the Medina) was protected by a walled belt, which enveloped and marked the precise limits of the city until the thirteenth century. The access or exit to or from the town center was about three gates (named of Granada, Antequera and Malaga) of which only remains the Puerta Real (Real Gate), ancient gate of Malaga, that was integrated into the city center due to the growth of urban slums in the fourteenth century. The Real Gate, of semicircular archway and access in a bend, was protected by a large rectangular tower that serves as a forward defense access.