With a name that clearly coincides with the mythical setting of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus in Braga, its origins are linked to the Marian apparitions in the area. It was founded in 1523 by Alonso de Piña, prior of the neighboring Santa María A Real de Xunqueira de Ambía. The master in charge of its construction was Bartolomé de Nosendo, a bricklayer of Portuguese origin, who had already worked in Santo Estevo de Sandiás and in the same collegiate of Ambía.

Occupied from the beginning and forever by the Franciscan order (1523-1835), the initial idea was to build just the church. Finally the prior erected a complete monastery.

Of the monumental ensemble, the church is the best preserved building, its roof being the most notable on the outside. It has a decoration in relief in the Manueline style, a late Gothic very characteristic of Portugal that was imported by master Bartolomeu.

Plant forms intertwined with grotesques (fantastic beings with human or animal appearance) and canopy arches (curved shape with a pointed beak) coexist in a harmonious atmosphere in the center of the building. At the top there is a huge tower on the left topped by a bell tower. Inside it has magnificent sculptural carvings, altarpieces and murals.

Unlike the church, the cloister is not in such good condition. However, we can still see its rectangular plan with the 28 arches that make it up. The scheme of the main façade is also repeated here: canopy arches and decoration based on elements of nature, plants and animals.

The annexed monastic building consisted of a large kitchen, outbuildings for the community at the top and bottom of courtyards, barns and cellars. In the year 1668 it suffered a tremendous fire that left the friars with nowhere to take refuge. It was soon rebuilt and has housed a philosophy faculty since 1797, playing a prominent role in welcoming clerics fleeing France because of the revolution.

Its decline began during the war against the French (19th century), where invading troops destroyed the church. In 1813, another fire would eventually destroy what was left of the monastery. With the confiscation would come its final abandonment. It would then be sold to whoever might choose to sell their stones. It is currently in the process of declaring a Site of Cultural Interest.