Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceição

The Fort of Our Lady of the Conception (Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição) is the main landmark of Povoa de Varzim, and is classified as Property of Public Interest. It's strong comprising of 4 pentagonal bastions linked by curtain wall. Its purpose was to defend the port from attacks by pirates and was built in the eighteenth century, during the reign of Joao Pedro II and IV. Previously there was another fort in the same place, Forte do terrao. It's next to the Grand Casino of Povoa, facing a landscaped plaza on Avenida de Discovery. Only the exterior can be seen, as it's currently used