[2] The fortification was financed by Póvoa de Varzim Town Hall, and had as main goal to protect the local merchant community from privateer attacks.

[1] In the end of the 17th century, during the Age of Gunpowder, with the urge for a better defense of the seaport, the alcaide (governor of the fort) João de Almeira Rêgo thought that the construction of a new fortress would be preferable.

[4] As Sir Diogo de Sousa was the governor to complete the fortress in 1740, his family crest were placed over the gate on 22 October that year, the day of the monarch's anniversary.

[1] During the Peninsular War and under the grand strategy Napoleon drafted, which included the invasion of Portugal using the corps of French Marshal Jean-de-Dieu Soult, the fortress of Póvoa de Varzim and that of Vila do Conde, in close proximity, were taken by French troops in late March 1809, as there were few troops in the region.

In 2016 and under Póvoa de Varzim City Hall administration, the fortress was "recovered" which included some contemporary architectural aspects in interiors, with a bar occupied the whole structure.