Monuments

Although there are remains of the church built on the same site during the 15th century, the current building dates from the 17th century and was the then centre for the Brotherhood of Adoration of the Cross. Its construction and dedication were heavily supported by the ecclesiastic and royal powers, particularly the later Portuguese kings. They would bestow the title Royal Fraternity of Our Lady of Adoration of the Cross and accepted becoming honorary judges of a church they would frequently attend.

In Mannerist style, the church is well worth a visit due to the splendour of its interior, beautifully finished by that most characteristically Portuguese combination of tiles and gold-leafed carving.

Of particular interest are the "ears of corn" tiles from the 17th century, the monumental retable on the main altar completed during the reign of Pedro II (1683-1706), the carved lateral altars in gold leaf finished during the reign of João V (1706-50) and the paintings. The latter divide into two: that carried out by Évora painter Francisco Nunes Varela between 1665-67 and found in the central body of the church and the canvas paintings of scenes from the New Testament, dating from the second half of the 18th century which complete the decoration of the main chapel.