[1] There is evidence of human settlement during the Upper Paleolithic in the land where present-day Póvoa de Santa Iria is located.

The area's proximity to Olisipo (currently Lisbon) and its strategic location along the Tagus River likely led to a substantial Roman presence, with the region possibly serving as a rural settlement focused on agriculture.

[2] In 1916 the freguesia (civil parish) of Póvoa de Santa Iria was created, as part of the Loures municipality.

[3] In the second half of the 20th century, a sharp population increase occurred in Póvoa de Santa Iria and the settlement was mainly converted into a commuter town.

[7] The city is also served by multiple bus lines from Carris Metropolitana, connecting with other points in the municipalities of Vila Franca de Xira, Loures and Lisbon.