A very peaceful place, easily found. Friendly and helpful staff. The convent has undergone extensive renovation and there is so much to see. Reasonably priced and half price if you are a pensioner. Would highly recommend.

This recently refurbished and reopened convent is definitely worth a visit. It is a short steepish walk out of the main town and easy to find. We were warmly welcomed by the lady at reception on our arrival and the entrance fee, at the time of our visit, was about 5 euros for both of us (being retired). The church is stunning (as so many of the churches in Funchal are) but the fascinating thing about this particularly church (which I have never seen before anywhere on my travels) is how the church and the convent inter-connect (think "Sound of Music"). The upper and lower choirs where the nuns would have sat and the grille through which they would have observed mass are wonderfully preserved with the seating and the ornate religious imagery in place. The cloisters are a wonderfully tranquil setting around which a number of amazing and tiny chapels are positioned. There is a lot of information in English and some insight into what it would have been like to have been a nun there a few hundred years ago. There is also a "mock-up" of a nun's cell which indicates that perhaps the "Poor Clares", the order of nun's there, were not quite so poor as you might imagine! If you are in need of some refreshment after your visit here I would recommend going across the road to the Museu da Quinta Das Cruzes where you will find a delightful cafe in the garden with wonderful views of the town, serving coffee and cakes or, indeed, a meal. The gardens there are well worth a wander around.

A very historic and interesting convent established in the 15th century. Orlanda at reception was most friendly, cheery and hospitable offering very sound advice. Although a little expensive to get in, the Hispano-Moorish tiles were a sight to behold given its age. Painted wooden ceilings were decorative and beautiful. The Church was free to visit and definitely worth the climb up.

Beautiful, very interesting place to visit, worth the walk up the hill to get there! Tried to visit the last two years but it was closed whilst work was being done. Good to read the history and to see the beautiful exhibits. Friendly staff to guide you around. No rush at all, just a calm and peaceful place to explore.

For me, this was the high point of my visit to Funchal. I'm not a religious person but I love old churches. If you're into medieval history then this is a total must. The climb up the hill was pretty easy for me - a sixty-something - but others with mobility issues might struggle. It's a convent rich in Catholic imagery and you get to see how the nuns lived. If you're expecting Disneyland or some kind of themed experience, this will not be for you. But if you're a history fan - like myself - this is the best attraction in Funchal by a mile.

Really enjoyed our visit. Lots to read about the various things on display throughout the rooms. The lady at the front desk and other people throughout were very friendly. We spent about an hour but we came right at the end of the day so we weren’t blessed with time. Would recommend to anyone with an interest in history, religion or culture.