FORTALEZA DOS REIS MAGOS

This fort was built in January 1598. Isolated in the middle of the sands, at the mouth of the Potengi River, it is shaped like a star. It was built to defend the city against the French and pirate attacks. Known as Fortaleza dos Reis Magos, the fort was the first building in the city. It was begun by the Portuguese on January 6, 1598 (the day of the Three Kings), hence the origin of the name. The star-shaped fortress is the origin of the city's construction and is its main historical and cultural monument.