2 Best Sights in Madeira, Portugal

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte

A peek into the cool interior of this hilltop church reveals several ornate carved golden altar pieces, a grand organ, and gilded chapels decorated with colorful azulejo tiles. The tiny statue above the altar was found by a shepherdess in the nearby town of Terreira da Luta in the 15th century and has become the patron saint of Madeira. The church also contains the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria, the last Hapsburg monarch. He was exiled to Madeira, developed pneumonia, and died on the island in 1922. Standing in front of the church rewards you with dramatic views of the city and ocean.

Sé do Funchal

Renowned for its ceiling with intricate geometric designs of inlaid ivory, Funchal's cathedral dates from 1514 and reveals an Arabic influence throughout. Don't miss the elaborately carved and gilded choir stalls in the side entrance and in the chancel (they depict the prophets and the apostles), or the intricate tile work at the side entrance and in the belfry.