Today, Santa Maria de Airães has experienced the different phases of its life dictated by the influence of its patronages. Its construction can be traced back to the end of the 11th century, however, today we can only see traces of its reform at the end of the 13th or beginning of the 14th century and its extensive transformation in modern times.

This church would have been a patronage of nobles and the Archbishop of Braga would make the presentation in the 13th century, becoming a royal patronage linked to the Order of Aviz in 1394 until it was entrusted to the Order of Christ in 1517. The importance of each of these patrons was demonstrated in the various phases of construction and remodeling that shaped the temple we see today.

This church has been classified as a National Monument since September 29, 1977 (Dec. 129/77 of September 29).

Santa Maria de Airães is located in an area of ​​the valley called Monasterio in the parish of Airães.