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.

Construction began in 1701, during the reign of Peter II of Portugal.
Works halted in 1703 due to lack of funding.
Several years later, John V of Portugal, unaware of the situation, was informed that the port of Póvoa de Varzim had no security as construction works stopped in the fortress for several years.

Works resumed in 1738 when Sir Diogo de Sousa, sun of Sir João de Sousa, Governor of Arms of Minho province, received orders from the king to complete the fortress.
These order were dispatched because the king considered that this coastal fortification was of great importance for the kingdom.
As Sir Diogo de Sousa was the governor to complete the fortress in 1740, his family crest were placed over the gate on October 22 of that year, precisely on the day of the monarch's anniversary.
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.
Construction began in 1701, during the reign of Peter II of Portugal. Works halted in 1703 due to lack of funding. Several years later, John V of Portugal, unaware of the situation, was informed that the port of Póvoa de Varzim had no security as construction works stopped in the fortress for several years.
Works resumed in 1738 when Sir Diogo de Sousa, sun of Sir João de Sousa, Governor of Arms of Minho province, received orders from the king to complete the fortress. These order were dispatched because the king considered that this coastal fortification was of great importance for the kingdom. As Sir Diogo de Sousa was the governor to complete the fortress in 1740, his family crest were placed over the gate on October 22 of that year, precisely on the day of the monarch's anniversary.
Castelo da Póvoa