Monte Tourist Destination in Madeira
Monte is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Madeira and it caters well for its visitors.
Conveniently situated about 6km from Funchal City Centre, it is also one of the most easily reached tourist destinations.
But, be aware, since Monte is some 600 metres above sea level the air can be chilly here, especially during the winter months.
Guided coach trips often stop here and offer the option for their passengers to ride the toboggans partway down the steep slopes toward Funchal.
However, if you want to sample all the attractions that Monte has to offer, then it is best to make your own way there and to allow half a day for your visit.
Monte Church
Monte Church is locally known as the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte, or, Church of Our Lady of Mount.
The white baroque facade we see today dates from 1818 when the church was rebuilt on the original site of a chapel that was destroyed by an earthquake.
It is an image that can be seen all over Madeira island - on postcards, place mats, calendars and any other tourist trinket you care to think of.
Look up from almost anywhere along the seafront promenade in Funchal and you will be able to discern the twin bell-towers, that give the church its distinctive appearance, high up in the mountainside that rises behind the city.
Inside, the church is much like many others in Madeira. However, there are a few unique noteworthy points of interest.
Above the alter, in a small glass-fronted display case, is a small statue of the Virgin Mary.
The statue is said to have been given to a local shepherd girl by an apparition in the 15th century.
There is a plaque by a small natural spring that marks the spot where the apparition appeared on the nearby walk to Terreiro da Luta.
Toward the rear of the church is a small side chapel that holds the coffin of Emperor Charles I, the last Emperor of the Austria-Hungary Empire.
And, as you exit the church, look up at the huge, ornate chandelier and try to imagine the work involved in cleaning it.
The August Festival
To the local populous, Monte church is of vast cultural importance.
On the evening of 14th August each year, a well attended festival is held in the vicinity of the church. Much singing and dancing accompanies the plentiful food and drink that is in evidence.
Meanwhile, inside the church, the ornate religious art glows in the flickering light of a myriad of candles.
Pilgrims come here from all over Madeira and, indeed, from around the world to mark the event.
It is a festival well worth attending, even if you have no strong religious beliefs as the celebrations always stretch well into the night.
To the front, there are 74 basalt steps leading up to the church. On the following day, to mark the Feast of the Assumption, penitents climb these steps on their knees and pay homage to Our Lady of Monte.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Whilst you are at Monte, take full advantage of all the tourist attractions that are nearby.
Monte Cable Car
The Funchal to Monte cable car ride is a quick means of getting to and from Monte.
The journey from the seafront up to Monte will take around 15 minutes and is a wonderful experience in itself.
The cable car terminal has an adjoining café and is within easy walking distance of all the village's major attractions.
If you want to sample some panoramic views of Funchal, and you have a head for heights, then this is the ideal means of transport for you.
Monte Toboggan Ride
Monte is perhaps most famous for its Toboggan Ride.
These flimsy, wicker baskets on wooden sled runners have been a traditional means of transport for over a hundred and fifty years.
Originally running from the higher location of Terreiro da Luta right down into the centre of Funchal, they were a mini adventure in themselves.
Today, the toboggans are exclusively provided for the enjoyment of tourists.
If you want to experience a ride you are unlikely to find anywhere else, and you do not mind paying tourist prices, then you will find the start of the run beneath the viewing platform below Monte church.
Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
Monte Palace Tropical Gardens are the somewhat eccentric creation of José Manuel Rodrigues Berardo.
Located in the grounds of the former Quinta do Prazer, the gardens alternate between a mix of cultures old and new.
Here you will find British decadence from a bygone era. The flashing red of Japanese delicacy. The European art of tile decoration. And, just when you didn't expect it, the outright bizarre.
Set in the dense greenery of the steep hillside, the gardens are a rather unconventional delight.
Largo da Fonte
The Largo da Fonte is the main square just below, and to the west of, Monte church.
Legend has it that one day a shepherd happened by chance to meet a little girl near to a spring that trickled from the hillside.
The shepherd shared his lunch with the girl and, returning home that evening, told his family of the encounter
The following day, the shepherd's daughter visited the spring and saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary on the rock face set into the hill.
The apparition claimed to be the little girl that her father had shared his lunch with the previous day.
In this area, the Largo da Fonte was established.
Today, there is still a fountain and a shrine that marks the spot of the apparition.
The square also retains its original, primitive pebble stone paving.
Elsewhere, there is a small bandstand, a café and usually a few trestle tables offering souvenirs and other local items for sale.
The final point of interest in the Largo da Fonte is the old railway station building.
At the time of our last visit, this building was dilapidated and rather depressing, but plans exist to renovate it and to rebuild the railway line up to Terreiro da Luta.
The completion date for this project is expected to be late 2012.
The Municipal Gardens
The Municipal Gardens at Monte are often overlooked by the visiting holiday-maker. However, this is a mistake.
Covering a sprawling area of 26,000 square metres, and set into the steep hillside, the gardens are a reminder of a past age.
The narrow pebble stone paths wind their way through the thick vegetation.
The sprawl of greenery extends from above the Largo da Fonte at their highest point, near to the start of the toboggan run on the east side to beneath the viaduct of the old railway line in the west.On a hot summer's day, the gardens are the ideal place to find a shady spot and enjoy some refreshments surrounded by the profusion of trees, shrubs and flowers.
Directions
Getting to Monte is easy. There are a number of alternatives, including taking the cable car with its wonderful views of Funchal.
See our Travel Directions to Monte for the various options.
Map of Monte Tourist Area
On the map above:
- The yellow trace is the route for town buses 20 and 21 to Monte
- The blue trace shows the start of the walking route down to Funchal
- The grey trace shows the start of the walking route to Terreiro da Luta
Madeira Features
Climate
Madeira Island has a number of micro climates.
The south coast is predominantly warm and sunny.
Venture just a little inland and the higher altitude means that the temperature cools rapidly - especially during the winter months.
To reach the central plateau and inland mountainous region, you often need to travel along roads shrouded in clouds.
The north coast is usually cooler and wetter than the south coast.
Funchal Hospital
The Hospital Cruz de Carvalho serves Funchal and its surrounds and it is situated on the Avenida Luis de Camoes.
It operates a 24 hour Accident and Emergency Department.
So, if you are suddenly taken ill during your stay in Funchal, just get a taxi to convey you to the A&E department - but remember to take your passport and your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) with you.
Relatives and friends accompanying you are likely to be requested to wait separately. However, whenever we have had need to call on the service, we have always found it to be both efficient and professional.
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