The Saint Francis Convent complex comprises the Saint Francis Convent and the Church of Our Lady of Conception.
Belonging to the Franciscan Order, the Saint Francis Convent, the oldest Convent on the Island of Pico, was founded in 1641, being completed in the year 1700. However, due to the large influx of religious and their charitable action, it was expanded between 1768 and 1804, becoming one of the most beautiful temples on the island according to some writings of the time. Unfortunately, a violent fire destroyed the Church of Our Lady of Conception in 1830, which was later restored, but without the splendor and magnificence of the past.
The former Franciscan Convent is a rectangular two story building, dating from the 17th century, that includes the Church of Our Lady of Conception, with a plan in the shape of a Latin cross, connected to it. In the Convent building, the bell tower, with a square plan and three stories, stands out. The church has a single nave, accessed through the main door, embellished by a handmade stone frame.
Currently, the building houses the City Hall, the Police Station, the IRS department and the local newspaper “O Dever”.