It controlled the road from Granada to Malaga via the port of Zafarraya. It was the head of the Taha de Zalia which covered a large territory. It was depopulated after the conquest of Antequera when it was threatened by the Castilians, although it maintained its status until 1485. It has a double irregular rectangular wall. The outer enclosure has strong masonry walls with square and circular towers. The interior still has a cistern and a large gate between two large masonry towers built with rammed earth. The 15th-century theologian al-Wansharisi quotes it: "...established as a habiz a farm of Vélez for the people of the fortress of Zalia to build a watchtower...".