Church of Saint Zita

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Santarém > Tomar > Asseiceira > União das Freguesias de Asseiceira

Location

The Church of Santa Cita is located in the village of Santa Cita, which belongs to the Union of Parishes of Asseiceira, in the municipality of Tomar. The village is situated a few kilometers from Tomar, quietly developing on the right bank of the River Nabão, in an environment that combines proximity to the city with the serenity of a more rural area.

The Legend and the Origin of the Name

The name of the church and the village of Santa Cita derives from an ancient legend dating back to the year 155 AD, during the period of Roman rule. It is told that a young woman, named Cita, embraced the Christian faith, which led her to be persecuted. After fleeing to a secluded place, she was discovered and martyred. Her body, initially left unburied, was secretly collected and interred by Christians from the region, who considered it blessed by her martyrdom. Over the site of her sepulchre, a chapel was later erected, which in time would transform into the current church, giving its name to the settlement that was born and grew there.

Legacy and Historical Resilience

Throughout the centuries, the Church of Santa Cita has been a central point for the community. In addition to the main temple, there was a Franciscan friary on the site, also dedicated to Santa Cita. Although the religious order transferred to Tomar in the 17th century, due to habitability issues with the old building, the church remained a symbol of faith and permanence. This monument, with its deep historical roots and its connection to a narrative of faith and resilience, represents an enduring testament to local history and the communities that shaped the region.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt