 Entered via a stone stairway leading to a large north-facing gate built by James Cameron in 1845, this portal is topped by a bronze "voromahery" (eagle) imported from France by Jean Laborde in 1840.Beyond the gate lies an open dirt courtyard approximately square, with the far end opposite the gate delimited by the northern face and entrance of Manjakamiadana.Over time, the Rova compound has contained several key buildings of political and historical significance, including five palaces, a chapel and nine tombs.