Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte

The Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte stands at Largo da Fonte in Monte, the hillside district above Funchal on the island of Madeira, Portugal. The twin-towered church sits at the top of a broad staircase of 68 steps, which pilgrims have traditionally climbed, and its raised position gives views back over the city and the bay. Inside, the church houses the venerated image of Nossa Senhora do Monte, Our Lady of the Mount, who is the patron saint of Madeira. The image is the focus of devotion on the main feast day, 15 August, when pilgrims gather in Monte and the church and the surrounding streets are crowded. The church also holds the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria, the last Habsburg ruler, who died in exile in Madeira in 1922; his simple tomb is in a side chapel and draws visitors with an interest in European history. The interior is modest compared with the cathedral in Funchal, with a white nave and decorated altars. Entry is free and the church is usually open from about 9AM to 6PM outside Mass times, so visitors should avoid services and keep conversation low. A visit lasts around thirty minutes, though many people spend longer on the terrace and staircase taking photographs. The best photograph of the facade is from the foot of the stairs, with the twin towers framed by trees, and the view outward from the top of the steps shows Funchal below on clear days. The church is a short walk from the upper station of the Funchal cable car and sits opposite the starting point for the Monte toboggan ride, so it is often combined with that ride and with the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Morning is the best time to visit, before tour groups arrive, and weekdays are quieter than weekends and feast days. Visitors should dress modestly and be respectful of worshippers. A small square outside has cafes and stalls where visitors can rest after climbing the stairs.