[1] Originally, the need to establish a presence in the village of Valadares was developed in 1535, when the religious brotherhood approached King Philip I of Portugal to solicit its creation.

[2] Those that wanted to join the brotherhood of the Misericórdia of Valadares was required to pay a tribute: in the first half of the 18th century membership dues were between $300 and $480 réis, depending on their station and level of participation.

Members of the inner quorum included the clergy of the neighbouring parishes and a few military officers, while it is likely that the powerful, wealthy nobles of Monção and Melgaço were integrated into this group.

In the same year a new project was begun by the painter Luís Peixoto (from Arcos de Valdevez) for 386$500, but having insufficient funds, the brotherhood contracted a loan for 300$000 réis to pay the difference.

The ombudsman of the Confraria das Almas, solicited the participation of the brothers of the Misericórdia in order to realize a remodelling of their altar, since there was exposed wood and damage, and since they alone did not have the capacity to pay the costs of such a project on their own.

The group already had a guarantee from the Confraria de São Pedro for this project, but request 30$000 réis for gold-leafing and work on the retable (the Misericórdia offered 20$000).

It was father Manuel de Sousa, in the name of the parishioners, that solicited this authorization, guaranteeing all costs would be paid by the devotees, which was accepted by the council, as long as they "did not affect the benefits of the Santa Casa" and that the altar was built below the arch.

The brotherhood of the Misericórdia sent a letter to the Crown, informing it of "grave financial situation" that existed in the Santa Casa, referring to corruption of the previous board.

[2] Upon receiving these charges, the Prince Regent ordered an inspection of the state of the finances of Santa Casa, sending in an administrator/auditor from the comarca of Viana do Castelo.

It is found in an elevated churchyard, encircled by a wall and bunkets[check spelling] of rock, with the access made by a lateral staircase and railing crowned by pinnacles topped with spheres.

[2] The church plan is composed of a rectangular nave and chancel, bell-tower and sacristy, as well as polygonal annex: each articulated space is topped by tiled roof.

[1] Although the facades are plastered and whitewashed, the foundations, doorways and windows are projected cornices, with wedge pilasters on the corners, while the building is surmounted by pinnacles and crosses on most gables.

[2] The principal facade, with vibrant entablature and metopes, is overlaid by a triangular pediment, with the tympanum hosting an image of Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia (OurLady of Mercy).

The figures on the ceiling of the chancel are treated much better than in the nave, and the themes were influenced by the treasties of friar Luis de Melgaço, reconciling many biblical examples of the priests of the Catholic and Orthodox churches, the virtues and saints.

Meanwhile the sub-choir with wooden awnings, is accessible from the right arm of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia alongside a baptismal fountain.

At the front of the nave, there are two retables with gilded carvings, protected by iron railings, that shelter the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (pulpit side) and Our Lady of Fátima (epistle-side), both flanked by pews.

On the extreme ends of the roof are figures of angels, with symbols of the martyrdom of Christ: carnations, crown of thorns, scourge, dice, sword, candle, shroud, hand, lance, torch, crop, chalice, rooster, a pouch with 30 pieces of coin and a flag with the inscription S.P.Q.R.