The aspiration to obtain the status of city began in 1852; plans for the future city were then constituted by the parishes of Nossa Senhora da Estrela (today Matriz) and Nossa Senhora da Conceição (the actual Conceição). But, nothing ever became of this project. During the intervening years the continuous growth and expansion of the burgh continued: this resulted in the construction of the Church of the Misericórdia (18th century); and need to construct a new link across the main ravine. It was during the 19th century, that the "bridge of eight arcs" () was completed, to complement the old one arch bridge at the main square. Further expansion of the road network continued: the "Rua das Pedras" (today the "Rua Sousa e Silva") was open, as was the "Avenida Camões" and the new access to the port of Santa Iria was inaugurated.