this was a really nice building, with a helpful lively English speaking guide who was, I think, a nun. Some very ornate gilded chapels, aswell as some lovely simple rooms and gardens, and an interesting insight into the lives of the nuns in the olden days. Frescos, paintings and religious items from the 16th century onwards.

Will not appeal to all but interesting to see the separate nuns' chapel. Ap[art from that the church is fine and the grave of Madeira's discoverer there.

This monastery has parts which date back to the 17th century and is beautifully maintained. It contains the graves of two of Zarco's daughters. He was the first governor of Funchal. For 2 euros we had a guided tour from a lady who probably enjoyed her 80th birthday several years ago but who was an absolute delight. It's a steep... More

We visited on Saturday afternoon, and were shown around by a very knowleagable guide, in a very small group. Great! but it is also a kindergarten, so it may be very different during the week!

It's quite a walk to get here, but the crumbling old monastery is worth a view. The 2 euro ticket gives you a guided tour by one of the nuns through the church with its amazing altar, the tiled floor chapels behind the grilles where the nuns prayed, the serene cloisters with great view of the bell tower, and several... More

e were taken around by an elderly Franciscan Nun and were amazed at the unspoilt history in the monastry. The fact that most has not been renovated to any great extent made it even more appealing. The Nuns run a kindergarden school in the monastery and the whole ambience reflected kindness and love for the history, people, children and the... More

At one point in it's life the convent had 200 nuns but now only 15. A short tour with a very gentle nun who spoke English and her love of her surrounding shone through.

Went here a fews years back.Its one of those places that you'd visit out of interest,certainly more interesting if you are more religious than we are. A fairly steep walk from Funchal though so beware. A little further(5 mins) up the hill you can enter/visit the Fort do Pico(free entrance).Good views of Funchal from here and if you walk round... More

Down the hill we enter the massive gates of the convent, and are admitted behind the grilles which, pre 1890, demarcated the public part of the building from the enclosed nuns’ living and worship area. Today only 15 sisters remain, and they are free to mingle in society and to serve as they wish. But the reason the convent was... More