The privileged location on a promontory reflects the importance of the site, which was fortified to help secure the coast from Ossonoba (Faro) to Lacobriga (Lagos),[1] as well as protecting the beach and maritime access.

[3][5] To the author, the configuration of the atrium and its similarity with the Chapel of São Pedro de Balsemão, were proofs confirming the Byzantine origins of the temple, whose oriental design was verifiable in the Visigothic epoch.

[3] The confusion evident in Gamito's arguments were later reexamined by Manuel Justino Maciel, who systematically deconstructed the indications of its Byzantine-Visigothic construction, while not specifically advancing new data on the building.

[3][6] There are no local records which shed light on the castle or fort, and it is not mentioned in writings until a grant by King Afonso III to his chancellor, D. Estevão (in a document sent to the people of Santa Maria de Faro), dated February 1250.

[4] King John III ordered a reconstruction of the fort around the 16th century, owing to cases of invasions/incursions by Moorish pirates, as well as the defense of the beach for trade.

[4] But dating of the fort is still unclear; there is secure information only after the end of the 16th century, at the time when Tomé Gonçalves was identified as governor.

[4] The site came under the protection of the IPPAR (Instituto Português do Património Arquitectónicoon) on 1 June 1992, under decree law 106F/92, passing under the control of the IGESPAR when this organization took over these responsibilities and jurisdictions.

It is marked by a rounded arch, with its nave extending to an altar composed of retable with four ionic columns, presenting an image of the Virgin Mary.