The hermitage was conceived in 1514 by the architect of the Monastery of Jerónimos Diogo de Boitaca, and is an integral part of the Monastery of Santa Maria of Belém. Rodrigues Afonso later worked on the building and completed the project.

The chapel is comprised of sober lines and displays various ornamental symbols associated to the Manueline style. Its single nave is covered by a magnificent multi-ribbed dome, and inside, a triumphant multi-lobed arch stands out. 

The chapel is included in the patrimonial collection of the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower.