The Igreja dos Congregados, designed by the architect André Soares, was started in the 16th century. Consecrated on October 27, 1717, the towers had to be built and statues were placed in the respective niches on the facade. The work was only completed in the 20th century when the facade statues - São Filipe de Nery and São Martinho de Dume - by the sculptor Manuel da Silva Nogueira, were hoisted into their niches on February 16, 1964.

The Convento dos Congregados is an example of religious architecture in Baroque style. It was built at the end of the 17th century by the Congregation of the Oratory (Oratorians), who came to the city at the invitation of Canon João de Meira Carrilho.

During the 18th century it was considerably expanded, first with the construction of the basilica and then with the addition of another floor in the original building.