Its origin is linked to the so-called "Miracle of the Cross", religious prodigy that occurred on December 20, 1504, linked to the emergence of a black cross at the Carvalhal of the "Fair Field". In order to protect this cross, a small temple of square plant was erected, covered by a dome and open by four arches. In uncertain date, the arches were closed and around an arcaria covered with roof. In 1698 the Archbishop of Braga, D. João (IX) De Sousa organized a small contest for the moth of a new church that would replace the quirky construction. In 1701 they present work the architect Lisboeta João Antunes (two plants], and the architect North Manuel Fernandes da Silva (three plants). All projects predicted a centralized plant church, which corresponds to a pre-medieval tradition still in force Special or sacred places with plant hermids of this type. One of João Antunes proposals was chosen and the construction began in 1705 and was open to worship in 1710.