The settlement which grew up around the Tower of Hercules was linked to the urban resurgence along the entire Galician coast, which led to the founding of the villa of Crunia, in the times of Alfonso IX. The aim was to transfer the maritime traffic from the Burgo to the port in Coruña, and thus appeared the first urban section of the city's current Old Quarter. The port's rapid growth would result in the development of the new La Pescadería district.

At this time the port was booming, thanks to the exportation of fish, wine, wood and leather. Imports included salt, textiles, iron and cereals. Trade extended from Portugal and the Cantabrian coast as far afield as the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

Additionally, the movement of pilgrims arriving by sea on their way to Santiago helped to definitively consolidate the port, which was granted a number of privileges, the most important being a city charter.