The Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte in Funchal originates from a small hermitage dedicated to Our Lady of the Incarnation, traditionally attributed to Adão Gonçalves Ferreira, an early settler. The original chapel was likely built around 1470.
As the population and Marian devotion grew, the hermitage became inadequate, leading to the establishment of the Monte parish in 1565. Construction of the current church began in 1741 and was completed in 1747, though it was severely damaged by the 1748 earthquake.
Reconstruction efforts, supported by donations and institutions, led to the church's consecration in 1818. The building reflects Madeiran religious architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1804, Our Lady of Monte was declared the Patron Saint of the Diocese of Funchal, and the church remains a major pilgrimage destination today, especially for the August 15th celebrations.