Passing through Funchal? Don’t miss theChurch of Notre-Dame de Monté! Perched high above Madeira’s capital, this baroque church majestically overlooks the city and the ocean. We were won over by its exceptional location and historical value. It houses the tomb of the last Austrian Emperor, beatified in 2004, and offers panoramic views from its towers.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a great time.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit Our Lady of Monté Church?
Is the church worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the Church of Notre-Dame de Monté is well worth a visit. Its dominant position on the heights of Funchal offers exceptional panoramic views over the capital and the Atlantic Ocean. We particularly appreciated the richness of its Baroque interior and its historical significance. It houses the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria. You’ll also discover a remarkable artistic heritage with its 18th-century gilded altars.
Why is the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Monté famous?
The church owes its renown to several distinctive features. It houses the tomb of Charles Von Habsburg, the last emperor of Austria, who died in exile in Madeira in 1922 and was beatified in 2004. Its unique geographical location, overlooking the Bay of Funchal, also makes it a must-see landmark. It overlooks the famous Carreiros do Montethe wicker sleds pushed by 2 men in traditional costume down Monte’s steep streets.
Our favorite moments
During our visit, we were struck by 3 moments in particular:
- Climbing the stairs: the approach from below gradually reveals the majesty of the Baroque edifice
- The rostrum in the church: a bird’s-eye view of the nave and choir from this privileged spot
- Panoramas: views of Funchal and the ocean from the church esplanade
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History in brief
Founded in 1565 by the Bishop of Funchal, the Parish of Nossa Senhora do Monte was established in a small chapel built around 1470 by one of Madeira’s first settlers, Adão Gonçalves Ferreira. To cope with the influx of worshippers, new construction began in 1741 and was completed 6 years later, before being rebuilt after the earthquake of 1748. Consecrated in 1818, the building owes its restoration to the generosity of the Confrérie des Esclaves de Nossa Senhora do Monte and local benefactors. Highly venerated, the image of Notre-Dame du Mont attracts crowds of pilgrims every August 15.
Access: Church of Our Lady of Monté (Funchal)
Where is the church?
The address of the church building is as follows: Rampa da Sacristia 1, Monte (Funchal).
- On Madeira Island
- In the Monte district, high above Funchal
- Close to the start of the famous Carreiros do Monte
- Near Monte Palace Tropical Garden
- Near Monte Public Garden
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How to get there?
There are several ways to reach the church. The Monte cable car is the most spectacular way up, offering exceptional aerial views from the center of Funchal. In fact, it’s one of the must-do activities in town during your stay!
By car, allow around 15min from the heart of Funchal on winding, narrow, sloping roads.
Public buses also serve Monte. Find out about possible routes and timetables here.
Parking
Public parking is available at Estrada da Corujeira. It’s a 15-minute walk to the church. We recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the tourist crowds, especially in high season. Access by car is relatively easy, although the roads are narrow and winding.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
We recommend that you visit the church in the morning to take advantage of the best possible light and avoid the tourist crowds. Late afternoons also offer magnificent golden lighting on the façade. If you choose this means of transport, avoid peak times for the cable car. Madeira’s weather allows visits all year round, but check visibility conditions to fully appreciate the ocean panoramas.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 30min to 1h for a complete visit.
The church is accessible to visitors, including those with reduced mobility. A ramp from the sacristy provides access, and parking is available close to the church hall. However, parking is prohibited on Saturdays, catechism days. These facilities facilitate discovery of the site while respecting local customs. However, we did find some areas difficult to access in wheelchairs, notably the grandstand.
Advice on how to visit
We suggest you start your visit by observing the church from the bottom of the stairs, to appreciate its commanding position. Then climb up to the esplanade to admire the façade and statue of Emperor Charles I. Turn around for a bird’s eye view of Funchal and the ocean. Inside, head first for the main nave, then explore the side chapels. Finish by climbing up to the grandstand for a bird’s eye view. Don’t forget to ask when the towers will open, so you can enjoy the panoramic views too.
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Visiting with children
This tour is not particularly suitable for families with young children. We did not observe any dedicated installations. Nevertheless, the proximity of the Carreiros do Monte can be an attractive complementary activity for children.
Schedules and rates
The church is freely accessible and generally open every day:
- Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sundays from 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- May be closed during religious services – check mass times on the official website here
Catering
There are a number of good addresses close to the church in the Monte district, including the Restaurant Pátio das Babosas. However, we’d advise you to head back down to downtown Funchal to try the city’s best restaurants, including Restaurant 5 Sentidos, which makes the most of local produce.
An impressive finish: admire the church from the bottom of the stairs
As soon as you arrive at the junction of Caminho do Monte and Rue Largo da Fonte, your gaze is immediately drawn to the top of the grand staircase. Perched at an altitude of 598 meters, the imposing silhouette of the building overlooks the famous Carreiros do Monte, the emblematic wicker sleds that have been part of the island’s heritage since the 19th century. The ascent, punctuated by steps, takes on the air of a stage production: at each landing, the Baroque façade is revealed a little more, framed by its 2 bell towers. Behind you, the view opens out onto the Atlantic and the city of Funchal, like a living backdrop. In front of the entrance, the statue of Beato Carlos of Habsburg, the last emperor of Austria, announces that you are about to enter a place where history, art and spirituality intertwine.
A luminous interior: discover the artistic wealth of the church
Stepping through the doors of Notre-Dame de Monté Church reveals an interior of remarkable artistic richness. The late 18th-century altars, adorned with gilded sculptures and religious paintings, were particularly striking. One of the side chapels contains the tomb of the last Austrian emperor, who died in Monte in 1922. This place of meditation exudes a special atmosphere, a blend of royal solemnity and spirituality. Look up to admire the painted wooden ceiling, a true masterpiece. You’ll also be seduced by the play of light created by the chandeliers that harmoniously illuminate the entire nave.
Access to the tribune is a rare privilege, offering a unique perspective on the building. Climb the narrow staircase to discover a moving frieze tracing the life of Charles I of Austria, carved wooden benches and a discreet organ. From here, the view embraces the entire nave right up to the choir, revealing the harmonious proportions of the Baroque architecture. This vantage point also allows us to admire details invisible from the ground, such as the ceiling motifs or the symmetry of the side chapels.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you climb to the top of the bell towers of Notre-Dame de Monté church?
Yes! We noticed a sign on site indicating that the left tower was open to the public and revealed panoramic views over Funchal. The descent is via the right-hand tower, creating an interesting circular route. Unfortunately, they were closed during our visit. The space is also home to an exhibition of sacred art, which enriches the visit.
Does Église Notre-Dame de Monté organize events?
Yes, the site regularly hosts various events that punctuate parish and cultural life. These include feasts of gratitude and events dedicated to the memory of Blessed Charles of Austria, a historical figure closely linked to Monte. The church is also the setting for concerts, benefiting from its remarkable acoustics, as well as religious art exhibitions showcasing Madeira’s sacred heritage.
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