The oldest part of the monastery of Santa Rita, originally dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, dates to the end of 1200. It was enlarged in the first half of 1700 thanks to the generous donations of John 5th, King of Portugal, who was healed from a terrible eye illness thanks to the intercession of the saint.

The last enlargement was made over recent decades with the construction of the Shrine. The cloistered monastery is the historic place where St. Rita lived for 40 years and died an Augustinian nun. Visits are possible only in groups and during scheduled opening times.

Inside the monastery, it is possible to visit: The Well, The Bees and The Vine, The Antique Choir, the oratory of the Crucifix, the Nuptial Ring and the Rosary, the Golden urn, St. Rita’s Cell, the Sarcophagus and the Rose garden.