By 1680 the fort was already garrisoned, supplied with artillery and in full operation. Rectangular in shape and in a Mannerist style, it consisted of a battery with cannons, two circular bartizans with a conical cover, three barracks and a guardhouse. A side staircase, led to a terrace protected by a parapet. However, by 1751 it was reported to be in a poor condition as a result of a harsh winter and this was aggravated by the earthquake on 1 November 1755. By 1796 the garrison consisted of 7 soldiers and 5 gunners, and the artillery one bronze cannon and five iron cannon.