The construction of the church and convent of El Carmen began in 1685, and is a good example of the Baroque style. The convent was dedicated to Saint Teresa, although its founder is unknown.

At the beginning of 1700, a papal bull authorized those gathered at Santa Teresa to take the veil of Discalced Carmelite nuns, already under the patronage of Saint Joseph. However, the main altar was occupied by the image of Our Lady of Carmen, a more common and well-known invocation.

The body of the church is divided from the main chapel by a stone arch, and is enriched by two side altars: that of the Gospel, dedicated to Saint Anne; that of the Epistle, Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In the old choir there is another altar, dedicated to the Dead Lord, erected in a modern way due to special initiative and devotion.

With the official extinction of the religious orders, the Church and the Convent passed into the possession of the State, to be used for military purposes. From 1862, the building became the current Lar de Santa Estefânia.