Monte Church, formally the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Monte, is a Baroque hilltop church above Funchal, Madeira, and one of the island’s most important pilgrimage sites. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
This guide was updated in August 2026. The parish’s own website currently lists two different schedules for tower access on the same page, so visitors should confirm exact hours locally rather than relying on a single source, including this one.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Church: Mon–Sat 09:00–19:00, Sun 08:30–18:00. Towers and exhibition keep separate, shorter hours |
| Ticket prices | Free entry to the church; donations welcome. No fee listed for towers or the permanent exhibition |
| Address | Rampa da Sacristia 1, 9050-285, Funchal, Portugal |
| Nearest transport | Cable car (Teleférico do Funchal) from the Old Town, about 15 minutes |
| Typical visit length | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
Monte Church opening hours
The church is open Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 19:00, and on Sundays from 08:30 to 18:00.
Access to the towers and their small exhibition of religious objects is more limited: the main visitor page lists Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00, while a detailed schedule further down the same page lists different hours, including Sunday access from 13:00 to 18:00. Confirm locally before planning a visit around the towers specifically.
The permanent exhibition “Ecos do Passado: Memória e Identidade”, in the church’s high choir, is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 17:00, and Sundays from 12:30 to 17:00.
Mass times are Sunday at 9:00 and 11:30, and daily (Monday to Saturday) at 18:00; times are subject to change, with updates posted on the parish’s Facebook page.
Top Madeira experiences to book in advance
- 🚙 Northern Madeira jeep tour combining ocean pools, cliffs and mountain views on this guided off-road adventure
- 🍷 Funchal food and wine tour for a relaxed way to feast in the capital on this small-group tasting experience
- 🐬 Dolphin and whale watching cruise on a luxury catamaran tour
- 🌲 West Madeira highlights tour visiting waterfalls and the Fanal Forest on this full-day scenic island trip
- 🚶 Old Funchal walking tour covering the historic heart of Madeira’s capital with a local expert guide
Monte Church ticket prices
There is no admission fee to enter the church itself; donations are welcomed.
No entrance fee is listed for the towers or the permanent exhibition on the parish’s own website, meaning these are also free to visit within their opening hours.
The church is not included in any city pass, since it is a working parish rather than a ticketed attraction. It is, however, commonly combined with the separately ticketed Funchal cable car and Monte toboggan ride nearby.
Opening hours and background information were checked on the official website and last updated in August 2026.
Why book the Porto Moniz enchanted terraces 4×4 tour from Funchal?
- 🚙 Off-road Madeira adventure: Travel mountain tracks and quiet back roads by 4×4, reaching viewpoints and rural areas that standard tours cannot access.
- 🌊 Porto Moniz natural lava pools: Visit the famous volcanic swimming pools on Madeira’s northwest coast, with time for photos and a swim when conditions allow.
- 🌿 Enchanted terraces scenery: Explore dramatic terraced hillsides and lush valleys that reveal Madeira’s agricultural traditions and striking landscapes.
- 🗺️ Knowledgeable local guide: Learn about Madeira’s geology, culture and history as your guide shares insights throughout the day.
- 🚐 Easy day trip from Funchal: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making this a straightforward way to see Madeira’s wild west coast.
How to get to Monte Church
The most popular route is the Funchal Cable Car (Teleférico do Funchal), which departs from the Old Town and takes about 15 to 18 minutes to reach Monte, close to the church.
Local buses, including lines 20, 21, and 48, also connect central Funchal with Monte in around 30 to 45 minutes.
By car or taxi, the drive from central Funchal takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Parking near Monte Church
Limited parking is available on the streets around Monte; space can be tight, especially in peak season.
Many visitors combine the visit with the cable car, avoiding the need for parking altogether.
Why book the Madeira West Coast waterfalls and peaks tour?
- Scenic west coast landscapes: Travel along Madeira’s dramatic western coastline with views of cliffs, sea and lush mountainous terrain.
- Waterfall viewpoints: Stop at stunning waterfalls and natural cascades, perfect for photos and soaking up the island’s verdant scenery.
- Highland peaks and panoramas: Enjoy sweeping vistas from elevated lookouts, offering a striking contrast between mountain and ocean.
- Guided commentary: Learn about Madeira’s geology, flora and local culture from an experienced guide throughout the tour.
- Comfortable day trip from Funchal: Includes transport for a hassle-free way to experience some of the island’s most beautiful natural highlights in one day.
How long to spend at Monte Church
Most visitors need 30 minutes to an hour to see the church interior, the towers, and the permanent exhibition.
Allow extra time if descending afterwards by the famous wicker toboggan, or exploring the surrounding Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Accessibility at Monte Church
The church itself is on level ground and generally accessible, though Monte’s surrounding streets are steep in places.
No specific accessibility details are published for the towers, which involve climbing to reach the upper viewing point.
Inside Monte Church: what to see
The current church was built between 1741 and 1747, replacing an earlier 1470 chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Incarnation.
The church is closely associated with Blessed Emperor Charles I of Austria, the last ruler of Austria-Hungary, who died in exile in Madeira in 1922 and is buried here.
The permanent exhibition in the high choir displays liturgical silverwork, the ceremonial vestments of the statue of Our Lady of Monte, and the death mask of Emperor Charles.
The towers offer a viewpoint over Funchal and the surrounding hills, reached via a small exhibition of religious objects along the way.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Combine your visit with the Funchal Cable Car for the classic way up, and the wicker toboggan for a memorable way down. |
| Check the parish’s Facebook page for the latest mass times and any changes to visiting hours. |
| Dress modestly, since this is an active place of worship. |
| Visit the high choir exhibition to see the death mask of Emperor Charles of Austria, easy to miss without seeking it out. |
| Allow time to explore the wider Monte area, including the Monte Palace Tropical Garden nearby. |
Frequently asked questions about Monte Church
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Monte Church suitable for children? | Yes, and the cable car ride up is often a highlight for children. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No, entry to the church, towers, and exhibition is free and unticketed. |
| Is the church open on Sundays? | Yes, though with shorter hours than during the week. |
| Are bags allowed inside? | Small bags are fine; modest dress matters more than any bag rule. |
| Is Monte Church wheelchair accessible? | The church itself is on level ground, though the towers and surrounding streets are less straightforward. |
Things to do near Monte Church
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden, with its exotic plants and ponds, is a short walk from the church. The Monte Toboggan Ride departs just below the church, taking passengers on a wicker sledge down to Livramento.
The Funchal Cable Car station at Monte connects back down to the Old Town. Capela das Babosas, another chapel within the parish, is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
Alternative attractions
Sé Cathedral, in Funchal’s Old Town, is the city’s main cathedral and a comparable historic religious site. Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Paz, part of the same parish, offers a smaller, quieter chapel experience.
The Church of São Pedro, in central Funchal, is known for its decorative azulejo tilework. Nossa Senhora do Livramento Church, at the base of the toboggan run, makes a natural stop for those descending from Monte.
More Madeira travel
Other Madeira travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Guides to Madeira’s north coast highlights, including the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, the Miradouro Ribeira da Janela, Seixal Beach and the Fanal Forest.
- Guides to Madeira’s best south coast attractions, including Cabo Girao and Ribeira Brava Beach.
- Survey the mountains from Madeira’s Boca da Encumeada Viewpoint.
- Funchal travel guides: The Madeira Botanical Garden, Funchal Cathedral and the Madeira Cable Car.
