[1] The current complex was constructed following the 1522 Vila Franca earthquake and landslides that destroyed the town, to replace and house the Franciscan clergy that lived alongside the hilltop of Senhora do Paz.

[1] Between 1991 and 1995, there were investments in the site to restore the building, under supervision of architect Teresa Nunes and with funds from the SIFIT (Sistema de Incentivos Financeiros ao Investimento Turístico) program.

[1] Situated in an urban area, alongside the old regional road into the town of Vila Franca, the convent is sited on a gentle hill and adapted to the slopes.

[1] The southern lateral terrace has a view to the sea, and islet of Vila Franca, while the body of the convent and church align parallel to the coast.

[1] The curvilinear frontispiece of the church, includes sculpted stone, crowned by a Latin cross surmounting an acroterion and small urns, over parallel plinths above the corners.

[1] The two-story cloister, the first of arcades and pillars, and the second, enclosed with rectangular garden windows, decorated with cornices and simple platband, capped by corners and gargoyles.