Sarrat was once named Cabayugan , referring to a species of bamboo common to the place. Agustinian missionaries established Sarrat in 1586 as a visita (mission station) of Laoag City , known as Santa Monica de Sarrat .

Sarrat's Sta. Monica church, convento and bell tower began construction in 1669 and was completed in 1679. Rebuilt after a fire in 1817, the complex was again damaged by fire in 1882 but was rebuilt and finished in June 1896. At about 105 meters, the church is the longest in Ilocos Norte. Although the church follows a simple rectangular plan, its outstanding feature is its system of roof trusses.

Tourists who just have to have a souvenir t-shirt from Sarrat will find fulfillment in the ground floor museum housed in Santa Monica Convent. The museum houses an interesting array of church vestments that show off the sartorial flair of the Spanish friars and the impressive artistry of the local artists who created them.