CityBuddy
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte (Church of Our Lady of Monte)
Best time to visit
Early morning on weekdays for soft light and fewer visitors; late afternoon also works well for warm photographic light and cooler temperatures.
Budget tips
Free to enter, donations appreciated; buy combined cable car and Monte Palace Gardens tickets if planning both to save money.
Recommended for
History buffs, Photography enthusiasts, Spiritual travelers, Day trippers
Plan your visit
30-45 min
About
Quick facts: A climb up the steep cobbled path brings a hush of cool stone and an interior that glows with gilded woodwork and blue azulejo tiles. Quiet pilgrims often pause at the small mausoleum of an exiled emperor, leaving flowers and candles that add a human, poignant touch to the calm.
Highlights: Tucked high above the water, a dim crypt holds the unassuming marble tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria, who died in exile in 1922, his brass plate simply engraved 'Karl'. Each August 15, roughly 1,000 people climb the steep cobbled road for the Assumption procession, candles bobbing and voices rising until the whitewashed chapel blazes with warm light and the scent of incense.
Insider tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for steep cobbled paths and steps.
- Dress modestly, services still take place and some areas are sacred.
- Arrive before 10:00 on cruise-ship days to avoid crowds and get the best morning light for photos.
- Photograph the façade from the lower churchyard to include Funchal bay, then climb the steps for detailed interior shots.
Book a FREE walking tour in Funchal, Portugal
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
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