Built in 1749, the fort was originally intended to be a new fortified city like Valletta, and eventually the new capital of Gozo instead of the Cittadella. The project was unsuccessful because by the time construction started, Berber and Turkish marauders were no longer a major threat and people began feeling safer living in the rural areas. While the fort was built, it never developed into a city as planned. The fort was later used as a military hospital by the British army, and was recently transformed into the most luxurious area of residence in Gozo.