The Serra do Pilar Monastery was male and belonged to the Order of St. Augustine . Its construction began in 1538 [ note 1 ] and continued through the following centuries, in several stages of construction that significantly altered the initial design. It is today considered one of the most remarkable buildings of classical European architecture due to its outstanding architectural value and the unique character of its church and cloister , both circular and of the same size in plan. The church was classified as a National Monument in 1910; in 1935 the chapter room, the refectory, the kitchen, the tower and the chapel were classified as Property of Public Interest. In 1996, the Serra do Pilar Monastery was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , together with the Historic Center of Oporto, and classified as a National Monument . Nuevo de Gaia. View from the Loui bridge.
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