In the year of 1625 the construction of this convent begun, and the tower was concluded in 1660. It’s located in the Great Lea next to the old headquarter of the 15 th. Regiment of Infantry.
 
Because of this convent a litigation took place between the Order of Christ and the Chamber. The sentence was favourable to the Chamber and he ordered that a standard should be raised to celebrate such fact (standard at the centre of the Great Lea).
The Franciscans lived in Santa Cita, a small village in the outskirts of Tomar. There, they also had a small house where sick people recovered. However, it was their desire to come to Tomar.

Thus, in 17 of July of 1562, the Headmaster of the Order got regal license for the effect and the Chamber yielded the land for the construction of the convent in the Great Lea.

But Cardinal D. Enrique, who was, at the time, Master of Order of Christ, opposed, alleging that the Lea was property of the Order.
 
The Chamber was not satisfied and took the question to the courts.

The demand crawled and, only in 15 of May of 1624, Filipe III decided in favour of the Chamber.

In face of this, the Franciscans was authorized to construct this convent but ith a condition: they should not leave the old convent of Santa Cita.

How appeared Santa Cita?

In the outskirts of Tomar, in middles of 2th Century, Caio, Átilo and Cássia lived in a farm and they had a servant called Zita or Cita. She was very pretty and devout to God.