//
The church was constructed in the late 18th century (1785) and was financed by Josep de Nouvilas and his son Pere. Its dimensions are quite large in relation to the local population it serves. This is attributed to Nouvilas' intention to establish a new village, Sant Quirc de Colera (not to be confused with the Monastery of Sant Quirze de Colera), around the church and Mas Nouvilas. Similar to the founding of Colera in the late century, it was established in connection with the parish of Sant Miquel de Colera.
The monastery of Sant Quirze de Colera is a Benedictine abbey in the former county of Empúries, within the boundaries of the Diocese of Girona. It is an architectural complex composed of the Basilica of Sant Quirze, various monastic buildings organized around the courtyard of the cloister, a defensive tower, and remains of a section of the wall. It also includes the church of Santa Maria and the remnants of the old hospital. The monastery is situated about five kilometers away and near the old road to the Coll de Banyuls.