Monte, a picturesque parish nestled in the hills above Funchal at an elevation of approximately 550 metres, offers a refreshing escape from the city’s warmth. Renowned for its lush gardens, historic church, and unique traditional transport, it serves as both a significant pilgrimage site and a popular tourist destination. The cooler, often misty climate of Monte contributes to its verdant landscape and distinctive atmosphere, making it a key component of Madeira’s cultural and natural heritage.
Our Lady of Monte Church
At the heart of Monte stands the impressive Church of Our Lady of Monte (Nossa Senhora do Monte), a prominent landmark with its distinctive twin bell towers. This church is dedicated to the island’s patron saint and is a significant site for religious devotion. Each year, on 15 August, thousands of pilgrims ascend the long, steep flight of steps to the church during the Feast of Our Lady of Monte, a vibrant festivals that draws both locals and visitors. Within the church lies the tomb of Emperor Karl I of Austria, the last Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, who died in exile in Madeira in 1922. His presence adds a poignant historical layer to the ecclesiastical site.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Adjacent to the church, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is one of Madeira’s most celebrated gardens. Spanning a vast area, this botanical paradise showcases an extraordinary collection of exotic plants from around the world, alongside indigenous Madeiran flora. The garden is meticulously landscaped with waterfalls, ponds, and intricate pathways, featuring an impressive display of azulejo tiles, Oriental gardens, and a museum housing a collection of sculptures and minerals. It provides a tranquil and visually stunning experience, reflecting the island’s rich biodiversity and horticultural prowess.
The Carros de Cesto
Monte is perhaps most famously associated with the carros de cesto, or wicker toboggans. These unique two-seater sledges, guided by two traditionally dressed carreiros (wicker toboggan drivers) who steer and brake with their feet, offer an exhilarating descent from Monte down to Livramento, an outlying district of Funchal. This unusual mode of transport originated in the 19th century as a fast way for locals to travel down to the city. Today, it remains a quintessential Madeiran experience, embodying a blend of tradition and adventure. The carros de cesto are a testament to the island’s ingenuity and craftsmanship, and the wickerwork used in their construction is a fine example of traditional Madeiran traditional crafts.
Access and Ambiance
Reaching Monte is an experience in itself, with the most popular method being the scenic cable car ride from Funchal. The Monte Cable Car offers panoramic views of the city, the harbour, and the Atlantic Ocean as it ascends to the hillside parish. This convenient link makes Monte easily accessible for a day trip. The parish’s higher elevation results in a noticeably cooler and often more humid climate compared to Funchal, fostering a lush environment that contrasts with the bustling city below. This unique microclimate contributes to the area’s verdant beauty and its reputation as a serene retreat.
See also
- Funchal Madeira's capital and only city, Funchal rises in a bowl of hills around its harbour — a place of cathedral and old town, market halls, wine lodges and the cable car climbing to Monte.
- Gardens of Madeira A mild climate and a long history of plant-hunting have made Madeira one of the world's great garden islands, from Funchal's Botanical Garden to the tiled fantasy of Monte Palace.
- Embroidery, Wicker & Crafts Madeira's hand embroidery, Camacha wickerwork and the toboggan ride of Monte are among the island's most distinctive crafts and traditions, born of necessity and refined into art.
- Festivals & Celebrations From the world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks and the spring Flower Festival to Carnival, the wine harvest and countless village arraiais, Madeira marks the year with colour, music and spectacle.