For a long time, its main purpose was to defend the city in the event of a siege or attack, but it was also regularly used for ceremonies, such as official welcoming ceremonies for ambassadors and kings, as it was (and still is) deemed to be the main entrance to the city.
O seu uso principal durante moito tempo foi servir de defensa en calquera asedio ou eventual ataque á cidade, pero máis xeralmente utilizábase para cerimonias e entradas oficiais de embaixadores e de reis, e consideráballa (e aínda lla considera) como a entrada principal da cidade.