Church of Our Lady of the Mountain or in Portuguese Nossa Senhora do Monte is a beautiful church on the slopes of Funchal. It is best known for its beautiful panoramic view of the city of Funchal and as the final resting place of Charles I of Austria, the last ruler of Austro-Hungarian Empire.
This church is located in the suburbs of Funchal, called Monte, north of the capital city and on the volcanic slopes of the island. The Church of Monte is dedicated to Our Lady of the Mountain or in Portuguese Nossa Senhora do Monte. The first chapel on this location was built in the 15th century, which had to be enlarged due to the increased number of worshipers. Therefore, in the 18th century the church as it is today was constructed.
Since Monte is located on the steep slopes, it was only inhabited in the 16th century. First inhabitants were wealthy families of Funchal, who sought refuge from the summer heat and built their summer residences higher up in the mountains.
The church is best known as the final resting place of Charles I of Austria. Charles I of Austria was the last ruler of Austro-Hungarian Empire, which he ruled from 1916 to 1919. At the end of the First World War, Austro-Hungarian Empire seized to exist and Charles I of Austria was forced to abdicate. Nevertheless, he never stopped trying to regain power. While in exile, he organized two attempts to regain power, both of which were unsuccessful. Under British escort, he was exiled first to Switzerland and then to Madeira. He reached Madeira in 1921. At first, Charles lived in Funchal but later moved to Monte. On April 1st 1922, Charles I of Austria died of pneumonia at the age of 34. He was buried right in this church in Monte, on the island of Madeira. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to bring back his remains to Austria. Only his heart and the heart of his wife managed to reach Europe and are nowadays located in Switzerland.
Ticket prices for the Church of Monte in Funchal
The entrance to the church is FREE of charge.
