The ancient part of Saint Rita’s
Monastery dates back to the end of
1200; it was dedicated to Saint Mary
Magdalene. It was enlarged during the
first half of the XVIIIth century,
thanks to the generous donations of
King John Vth of Portugal, who recovered
from eye cancer through the intercession
of Saint Rita.
The last enlargement has been realized
during the last ten-year period with
the building of thsainte Sanctuary.
The cloister is the historical place
where Saint Rita lived for 40 years,
as an augustinian nun, and where she
died.
It can be visited only by groups according
to the scheduled times. The monastery
is not a museum but a living place
where the augustinian monastic community,
with approximately 50 nuns, expresses
its own life of prayer and consecration
to god.
