This maritime district was one of the earliest areas of the Medieval town of Vigo. A port was established here, which was named San Julián in 12th century documents. Located on the beach, it would remain outside the town walls when Vigo was fortified.

In 1495 the area was sparsely populated and part of the shore was used to hang out fishing nets to dry. Slowly the district grew and extended across the whole of the waterfront. When the town walls were built in 1656, the district had reached the other end of the beach where the Convent of San Francisco is located.

As it was outside the town walls, this maritime district was protected by two bastions. The Berbés Bastion was built at the eastern end, near to the Ribeira Gate. Continuing along the wall, up on the slope above the houses was the San Julián or Redes Bastion.