as a hostel on 9 August 1969, and designed by architect Alberto Cruz. Critics at the time found that this project, which involved the construction of rooms for visitors, lounge and services, destroyed the existing historical structure: only the defensive exterior walls and chapel remained intact. The 20th century remodelling and renovation, at a cost of 3.9 thousand Euros was completed by Enatur and Grupo Pestana Pousadas. On 18 June 2004, the Pousada began to operate under the "Pousadas de Charme" designation, followed on 23 September by the official inauguration, presented by the Minister of Tourism, Telmo Correia. Since its re-purposing the Fort has been referred to locally as the Pousada de Santa Cruz, Pousada de Horta or Estalagem de Santa Cruz. Architecture Originally, the fort was anchored on a rocky shoreline that extended into the harbour and surrounded by a narrow strip of beach sand on either side, with a small dock on its southern lateral wall (called theCais da Alfândega, or Customs wharf). The principal entrance, localized on the land (to the west) fronts Rua Vasco da Gama (Regional E.R.1-1ª), is marked by a large portal with coat-of-arms. Another access, but of more recent construction, is located along the side facing the harbour: a narrow doorway with rounded corridor that bisects the walls and opens to the fort's esplanade. The pentagonal-shape bastion fortress, with an area of 3650 metres, was constructed of basalt rock and tuff (the latter primary in the construction of the battlements and bartizans. While two bartizans and one bastion guards access to the sea, two bastions on the extreme corners (northwest and southwest) are oriented towards the land to protect overland invasions. The original plan included a baluarte structures and several dependent buildings: commander's house, barracks, gunpowder magazine, storehouses, bastille and kitchen. At its maximum effectiveness, the fort included 20 pieces of artillery and had banquettes to support a garrison of Fusiliers. The Chapel of Santo António, located along the southern wall of the fort, the chapel is a simple semi-rectangular building constructed of basalt and painted in white (with the exception of the stone cornices, the door- and window-frames and base). The Chapel of Santo António was built in order to support the local garrison: its interior, although simple, was covered in artistic azulejo tile. After its remodelling, the pousada included 28 rooms and two suites, restaurant with esplanade, bar, conference and reading