The island was attacked on several occasions by privateers: Spanish, French, Ottoman and English, so it was necessary to build the Fort of São Brás (17th century) - it is close to the Pousada da Juventude.
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Ilha de Santa Maria
The fort offers beautiful views of the port, marina and sea - it still preserves some of the artillery pieces. Next to it is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the first parish church in the settlement.