Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte - Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Posted by: 
manchanegra
N 32° 40.548 W 016° 54.152
28S E 321612 N 3616946
This is the main church of the Monte Parish in Funchal.
Waymark Code: WMBYZC
Location: Arquipélago da Madeira, Portugal
Date Posted: 07/06/2011
Views: 35
This is the main church of the Monte parish in Funchal.
The original chapel was built in 1470 by Adão Gonçalves Ferreira, the first man born on the island, son of one of Zarco´s shipmates.
The actual church was built in 1741.
The image of the Virgin Mary was taken to Funchal Cathedral returning to the new church in 1747. The Church was destroied in 1748 by an earthquake and rebuilt in 1818. It´s located 598 mts above sea level.
The church is not very rich regarding to artistic works but it gathers some architectonic features, decorative interior elements and several paintings that make a visit worthwhile.
Here you will also find the grave of the Austrian Emperor Charles I, last of the Habsburg rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, who died in exile on 1 April 1922.
His last residence on the island was the Quinta do Monte close to the church.
This church is also the destination of a procession that takes place every year on the 15th of August where the penitents climb up the 74 steps on their knees to redeem their promises or to beg for something for beloved ones. The stairs that lead to the church are really impressive, especially when you are at the top and look down on them.
Plaque citation
"Igreja matriz de Nossa Senhora do Monte"
A primitiva capela desta devoção já existia em 1489 sendo então da responsabilidade da Câmara do Funchal e foi dotada de capelão em 1551. Foi reconstruida em 1741-43 segundo projecto do mestre das obras reais Domingos Rodrigues Martins mas sucessivamente ampliada nos anos seguintes.
A imagem que ali ainda se venera era evocada constantemente em secas e calamidades pela população do Funchal desde os meados do sec. XVIII, pelo que Nossa Senhora do Monte passou a ser evocada a partr do aluvião de 1803 como padroeira da ilha.
A igreja levanta-se no alto de uma impressionante escada com maravilhosa vista sobre o Funchal, apresenta nartex para recepção dos inúmeros peregrinos, uma interessante colecção de altares de talha dourada e pintura dos finais do séc. XVIII e, na capela lateral do lado do Evangelho encontra-se o túmulo do ultimo imperador da Austria, Carlos de Habsburgo, falecido no Monte em 1922 e beatificado em 2001
Mother Church of Our Lady of Monte
The original chapel had stood here previously since 1489, at the time when it was yet under the responsability of the Funchal Municipality and it was given it´s owbn chaplain in 1551. The chapel was rebuilt from 1741 to 1743, according to the prohect by the master of Royal Works, Domingos Rodrigues Martins and was gradually extended in the following years.
The image that is still venerated there today, was evoked by the popolation of Funchal at times of droughts and other calamities during the mid-18th century. Our Lady of Monte was once again evoked after the flood of 1803 as the patron saint of the island.
The church rises high above an impressive flight of stairs from wich there is a marvellous view over Funchal. There is a vestibule for the reception of its endless number of pilgrims, and an interesting collection of altars bearing golden carving and paintings dating from the late 18th century. In the side chapel, lies the grave of the last emperor of Austria, Karl of Habsburg, who passed away in Monte in 1922 and was beatified in 2004."
Related Website: [Web Link]
Subject: Religious
Type: Stands alone
Languages Available:
Portuguese
English
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