During the 16th century, attained the apex of its commercial and maritime importance due to naval construction, associated with the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Many of the historical buildings, such as the port and customshouse, were all integral in the commercial relief of the 16th century. The passage of King Manuel through Vila do Conde, during a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, in 1502, helped to develop some of the important infrastructures in the city: the Matrice Church, "Praça Nova" and municipal buildings, along with new arterials, were begun under the reign of Manuel I. The "Praça Nova" (), today "Praça Vasco da Gama" was opened in 1538, during the reign of King John III of Portugal, and where the municipal buildings were located.