Located in Piazza Porta Terra, the Torre di Porta Reale or Porta Reial, originally called, was the main entrance to the town. Of sixteenth-century origin, the stone coat of arms of the crown of Aragon dominated the tower, now preserved inside. This gate allowed access and exit from the city by land until the end of the 19th century and originally the entrance was protected by a heavy drawbridge, now removed, which was lowered at dawn and raised again at sunset. This lasted until 1800 when Alghero was demilitarized.