It is located in Monfero in Ferrolterra in the comarca of Eume, about 22 km to the north-east of Betanzos.

In the 10th century on the site of an earlier hermitage a Benedictine monastery was founded, dedicated to Saint Mark, and supported by king Bermudo II.

The dissolution of the monasteries carried out by the government of Mendizábal brought the abbey to an end in 1835.

The present building complex, a landmark of Monfero, is essentially that of the 17th century, constructed mostly of granite and slate on a site of outstanding natural beauty[2]].

The church, which continues in operation, is built on the plan of a Latin cross with a single nave and two side aisles, and has a distinctive and well-known Baroque west front with four enormous half-pillars and two half-pilasters with a chequered design of inlaid tiles.