Nossa Senhora do Monte
Nossa Senhora do Monte features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Funchal. Give it roughly ~25 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~25 min
- Funchal Funchal guide
About Nossa Senhora do Monte
The twin-towered pilgrimage church of Our Lady of the Mount, high above Funchal at the top of a grand staircase, resting place of Karl I, the last Austro-Hungarian emperor.
The church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, Our Lady of the Mount, is the great pilgrimage church of Madeira, standing at the top of a broad double staircase in the village of Monte above Funchal. A chapel was founded on the site in 1470; the present twin-towered white church, trimmed with dark volcanic stone, had its first stone laid in 1741 and was consecrated in 1818 after an earthquake. Its Assumption pilgrimage on 15 August is the island's greatest religious festival.
The church is also the resting place of Karl I, the last emperor of Austria-Hungary. Exiled to Madeira after the First World War, he arrived in November 1921 and died in Funchal in April 1922, aged only 34; he is buried in a side chapel, his plain dark sarcophagus inscribed with his dates and the words 'Fiat voluntas tua'. Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2004, he draws pilgrims who leave ribbons in the Austrian and Hungarian colours. A bilingual plaque tells his story.
Did you know? Our Lady of the Mount is the patroness of Madeira; her feast on 15 August is the island's greatest pilgrimage, and some of the faithful climb the church's grand staircase on their knees.
How long is a visit to Nossa Senhora do Monte?
Set aside roughly ~25 min for Nossa Senhora do Monte. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Nossa Senhora do Monte worth your time?
Nossa Senhora do Monte is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Funchal, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Funchal
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Nossa Senhora do Monte and read more:
Day 2 of the Funchal in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Nossa Senhora do Monte
Preview the Funchal tour free in the Gingerguide app.