A hermitage was constructed on the site in the 15th century, dedicated to São Bento, by order of D. Estêvão de Aguiar, then abbey of Alcobaça.

Following the death of the Queen in 1461, King D. Afonso V executed the construction of the convent (honouring her last testament), installing in the place a community of clergy dedicated to Cónegos Regrantes de São João Evangelista (Secular Canons of St. John the Evangelist) from Loio.

[3] On 9 March, a papal bull from Pope Pious II authorized the creation of the convent, which was eventually supported financially by Queen Leonor.

[3] Between 1570 and 1602 (the Philippine dynasty), it was inhabited by Father António da Conceição, who was responsible for collecting the necessary financial stipends for the construction of the new church and improve the building.

[3] It was then purchased by industrialist João de Brito, who established a steam-powered milling factory to produce bread and cookies, in addition to a carpentry shop.

[1] General repairs were performed in 1983, and later in 1990, in context of the Expo 98 Caminhos do Oriente exposition, that included the restoration of the cloister.

[1] The three-register, square church facade is marked by a ground floor rounded portico, surmounted by oculus and flanked by rectangular windows.

[1] The interior consists of a single nave, subdivided in height by a 19th-century iron structure, with ten lateral chapels, inscribed transept and deep chancel.

[1] The early monastic complex is marked by its two-floor high cloister and full marble stonework, covered by a metallic structure.

[1] The staircase leading to the upper floor, flows from an accessible areas by three vaulted arches in two straight sections, that come together at an intermediate level.