Church of Our Lady of the Mount

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Monte

Location

Situated in the parish of Monte, this church stands at an altitude of about 598 meters, offering a commanding view over the city of Funchal. Its elevated position provides sweeping panoramas of the urban area and the surrounding natural landscape. The site is known for its lush vegetation, with trees and flowers that contribute to the serene atmosphere, a feature that attracted nobles and foreigners to build their summer residences here since the 18th century. Access to the church is marked by a long and symmetrical stairway of 68 steps, leading to a spacious churchyard paved with irregular stone slabs.

History and Architectural Features

The history of the Church of Our Lady of Monte dates back to a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Incarnation, erected in 1470 by Adão Gonçalves Ferreira, one of the first inhabitants born in Madeira. The construction of the current temple began on June 10, 1741, and was completed in 1747. However, a few months after its completion, a strong earthquake in 1748 caused significant damage, requiring a reconstruction. The church was finally consecrated on December 20, 1818.

The building features architecture with elements from the 18th and 19th centuries. The main façade, harmonious and in white tones, is enhanced by pilasters and a portico with three arches. The two bell towers, with their octagonal domes, stand out in the temple's silhouette. Inside, the nave and the chancel reveal an artistic richness. The eye is drawn to the wooden ceiling, with trompe l'oeil paintings, and to the blue and white tile panels that adorn the walls. The polychrome woodwork of the altars and side altarpieces, as well as the panels painted with scenes from the life of the Virgin in the chancel, bear witness to the skill of the artisans of the time.

The Imperial Legacy

The Church of Our Lady of Monte holds a unique point of interest for European history: the mortal remains of Charles I of Austria. The last Austro-Hungarian emperor, exiled to the island of Madeira after the dissolution of his empire, died here in 1922. His mortuary chapel, a space of homage, is a place of particular significance, attracting visitors interested in the history of European monarchies and the life path of this sovereign.

A Sanctuary of Legends and Faith

This site is also a center of strong Marian devotion. Its origin is linked to an ancient legend that tells of the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a humble shepherdess in Terreiro da Luta, a nearby location. This legend rooted the faith and tradition surrounding Our Lady of Monte, who is revered as the patron saint of the island of Madeira. The church, as a sanctuary, is a testament to the community's deep connection to its religious figure, visible in the figurative tiles near the main portal, which illustrate the apparition itself. The Latin inscription at the entrance of the church, "Levavi óculos meos in montes, unde veniet auxilium Mihi" ("I will lift up my eyes to the mountains, from whence comes my help"), echoes the atmosphere of refuge and spirituality that the place inspires.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt