The Serra do Pilar Monastery was created after the reform of the Augustinian Order, when the monks from the Grijó monastery were transferred to the new location.

Construction began in 1537 on this new monastery, which has a floor plan consisting of a circular church, a rectangular chancel and a circular cloister, all arranged sequentially.

It is considered one of the most remarkable buildings in classical European architecture due to its circular church and cloister.

In 1809, the monastery was occupied by Wellington’s troops when the Portuguese army planned an attack on the city of Porto, which was then occupied by Napoleon’s troops.

During the 20th century, the monastery underwent several campaigns of conservation and restoration work and is included in the Historic Center of Porto, inscribed by Unesco on the World Heritage List.

It is one of the best viewpoints over the River Douro and the historic areas of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.