The benedictine monastery of Vilar de Frades is ascribed to be found in 566 by Bishop S. Martinho de Dume. Destroyed by the Muslins invasions it was rebuilt in 1070 by D. Godinho Viegas. After it has been deeply changed in the 16th century, was then transformed into a magnificent model of the manueline and mannerist conventual architecture in the northern part of Portugal. It strikes the visitor in terms of architectonical lines by the vaulting of the chancel and the transept designed by the architect João de Castilho. These details confer an artistic centrality into this monument of national interest, only comparable to other works of this architect at this level in Portugal, such as the Jerónimos Monastery and Batalha. The portal, manueline, of the main facade is one of the most remarkable in this style. Used to be the mother-house of the Lóios Congregation in our country, and is currently one of the most imposing convents of the Minho region. Recently, the building underwent into a process of restoration which brought it to the splendour of other times, conveniently arranged with all the conditions.