Originating in the times of the Christian Reconquest of the region in the 10th century. This chapel would be integrated in a Roman villa. It became a parish seat until the 13th century when it became dependent on the Cathedral of Lamego In the second part of the century. XIV, the Bishop of Porto D. Afonso Pires, chose the chapel as his burial site, and erected in 1362 an altar in honor of Santa Maria. In 1643 it underwent profound changes when it was integrated in the Solar dos Viscondes de Balsemão, remaining with the current exterior aspect of the 17th century. The original west entrance was covered by the volume of the Solar, and its entrance started to be made through the side door. On the north façade an inscription shows the reform undertaken by Luis Pinto de Sousa Coutinho and his wife.

The chapel of S. Pedro de Balsemão is the oldest of all the monuments in Lamego and, according to some historians, the second in the Iberian Peninsula. Its Suevic-Visigothic origin dates back to the 19th century. VII, at the time of Sisebuto (Visigothic king who even minted money in Lamego).

In the century. XVII, the chapel was rebuilt, being from this time the excellent carving that covers it internally. Of rare historical and archaeological value, the temple, with three naves, has two pieces from the 19th century. XIV worthy of mention: a sculpture of Senhora do Ó carved in ançã stone (see Artistic Treasures) and the tomb of the Bishop of Porto D. Afonso Pires, carved in granite. Inside, there are also two rows of three arches on each side based on cylindrical columns.