In this paper we analyse the proliferation of spontaneous hermits and hermitages from the end of the 14th century in western Andalusia, the conversion of most of them to the Franciscan order at the beginning of the 15th century and their changing into Franciscan convents. During this century, the new convents adopted the rules of the different Franciscan congregations with their specific structures (Reformed, Observant and Conventual Franciscans, provinces, custodies and Ministers General) in order to ensure their own autonomy and ways of life. At the end of the 15th century, Franciscan convents from northern Spain, supported by Cardinal Cisneros, standardised all these movements by establishing some specific regulations.