The beginning of its construction dates back to 1168, after the donation of land to the Order of Cistercians by D. Egas Moniz, aio of D. Afonso Henriques, having been consecrated in 1255. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the monastic complex underwent a wide expansion, which features a monumental cloister designed by the Maltese architect Carlos Gimach.
The recovery of the building, in 2009, led to the creation of the museum center where it is possible to visit the exhibition “Fragmentos. Expressions of Religious Art from the Monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas”, whose collection includes works by Grão Vasco, Pascoal Parente and Bento Coelho da Silveira.

The exhibition develops around three centers considered central: the 20th century painting centers. XVI (Grão Vasco), century. XVII (Bento Coelho da Silveira) and century. XVIII (Pascoal Parente), to which are added the nuclei of sculpture and historical book, architecture (consisting of architectural elements of the medieval building) and jewelery (with emphasis on the reliquaries of São Bento and São Bernardo).

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas was classified as a National Monument in 1997.
Given its diversified infrastructure, the monastery offers the possibility of providing spaces for events, with an auditorium with capacity for 40 seats.
Entrance to the monastery is free, with the possibility of a guided tour; You can consult the price list for visiting the Museum Nucleus at http://www.valedovarosa.pt/

Source: http://www.portoenorte.pt/pt/o-que-fazer/nucleo-museologico-de-salzedas/