In 1488 a medieval-style tower at the tip of the Point of Salmodo, to the southwest of the Bay, was begun under the orders of King John II of Portugal.

Construction of the fort of Nossa Senhora da Luz de Cascais was ordered by Philip I to provide further reinforcements.

The fortress had an interior courtyard that allowed communication between the three bastions and access to the batteries, barracks and cisterns.

[4] This led to the growth of Cascais as an important location for affluent people from Lisbon to spend the summer.

Since then it has been restored and incorporated into the modern design of the surrounding areas, providing an impressive backdrop for the new Cascais Marina.