The College of Santa Rita, belonging to the order of Discalced Augustinians, was an important center of religious and academic formation in the city of Coimbra.
Located in the emblematic Upper part of the city, it was part of the group of religious colleges created to welcome and educate students attending the University. The building, although less known than other colleges, retains notable historical and heritage significance.
Some areas of the building may no longer retain their original design due to changes over time and functional reinterpretations.
It was dedicated to the worship of Saint Rita, one of the most venerated figures by the order, emphasizing the devotional aspect of the college.
It is a less visited space, which gives it a more intimate and quiet character, ideal for those who appreciate the more reserved side of the city's history.
The connection to the spirituality of the Discalced Augustinians and the symbolism associated with the figure of Saint Rita make this college a point of interest for visitors who want to explore Coimbra's religious universe in depth.
Founded in the 17th century, the College of Santa Rita's mission was the formation of members of the Discalced Augustinian Order, who settled in Coimbra to strengthen the connection between religious life and academic knowledge.
Over the centuries, the building underwent transformations but still evokes the presence of this order in the educational and spiritual life of the city.