In 1779, when the Marquis of Lavradio ordered the transfer of the slave market from Praça XV to the Valongo region, Largo do Depósito, now Praça dos Estivadores, was home to warehouses belonging to "wholesale traders" who controlled the business.

 

The change introduced a series of new activities in the area, such as the installation of wharves, manufacturing and warehouses.

 

The market on Rua do Valongo was officially closed in 1831.