Built on the foundations of a primitive 15th century chapel, Our Lady of Monte Church was later enlarged to accommodate the growing number of church-goers, but it was subsequently destroyed in 1748 by an earthquake.

The current structure was completed in 1818 and is the most important pilgrimage site in Madeira.

Lively processions honoring Our Lady of Monte, the patron saint of Funchal, are held on 15th August every year. The church contains elegant chandeliers, a statue of Our Lady of Monte revered since the days when the island was first settled, beautiful pieces of gold and silverwork crafted in the 17th and 18th centuries and the tomb of Charles I of Habsburg, the last emperor of Austria, who went into exile in Madeira in 1921.

In the atrium of the church you can find the statue of the Emperor.