 In the 19th century it was known as Bairro de S. José.The urbanization of Bairro Norte started when, King John VI by the Royal Provision of November 14, 1825, confirmed the possession of the beaches north of the seaport wall to the fishermen of Póvoa .A priest called for a portion of the beach north of the seaport wall to the city hall in order to build a chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph.