The first church in town, for which the status of parish church was requested in 1560, was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, patron saint of sailors and children, and to Saint Anthony, patron saint of animals and farmers. It used to be on the grounds where the Parish Church of Sant Nicolau (built on the 18th century) stands today and was built as well over an older smaller chapel dedicated to St Anthony. In 1565, a new chapel opened, dedicated to the saints Justa and Rufina, patron saints of pottery, one of the most important local crafts. Its master builder was Joan Soler, author of the parish church of Sant Cebrià de Vallalta too. The story of the present church began in 1761, when the architect from Barcelona Francesc Trilles was chosen by people from Malgrat to handle its design. The church as we know it today was finished in 1783. The overall design is functional, sleek and austere, typical of the architectural trend of the period, marked by the first impacts of Neoclassical and anti-Baroque culture. During the Civil War (1936-1939), the church was sacked and burned, and some objects of high value (two monstrances, a cross and the organ) disappeared. Later, in the forties, the church was restored.