The School of Nosa Señora da Antiga is also known as the School of the Cardinal (after its constructor) or School of the Society (after its managers). People also call it the "Galician Escorial", due to the size of the building. The school was built between late 16th century and early 17th century, under the patronage of the cardinal Rodrigo de Castro and was managed by the Society of Jesus. The goal was to cover the educational need of the region and all Galicia. Since 1873, the school was managed by the Piarists.