A church—or, at least, a small chapel—has stood on the site of the Basilica of Notre-Dame since shortly after Ville-Marie (Montréal’s predecessor) was founded in 1642. The current building, however, dates to 1829 and was constructed in a soaring Gothic Revival style. At the time, that aesthetic choice raised some eyebrows—Gothic designs were associated more with Protestant churches than Roman Catholic ones. (Perhaps the fact that the architect was an Irish-American Protestant didn’t help the situation.) Whatever initial resistance there was evaporated in the face of the beauty of the completed building. In the decades that followed, Gothic became the popular choice for churches in Canada of every denomination in large part because of Montréal’s basilica. In the 1870s, in what was perhaps a case of gilding the lily, the basilica became even more stunning when its interiors were painted in bright colors to resemble Paris‘s Ste-Chapelle.
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Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal
A church—or, at least, a small chapel—has stood on the site of the Basilica of Notre-Dame since shortly after Ville-Marie (Montréal’s predecessor) was founded in 1642. The current building, however, dates to 1829 and was constructed in a soaring Gothic Revival style. At the time, that aesthetic choice raised some eyebrows—Gothic designs were associated more with Protestant churches than Roman Catholic ones. (Perhaps the fact that the architect was an Irish-American Protestant didn’t help the situation.) Whatever initial resistance there was evaporated in the face of the beauty of the completed building. In the decades that followed, Gothic became the popular choice for churches in Canada of every denomination in large part because of Montréal’s basilica. In the 1870s, in what was perhaps a case of gilding the lily, the basilica became even more stunning when its interiors were painted in bright colors to resemble Paris‘s Ste-Chapelle.
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal
In the heart of Old Montréal, Notre-Dame Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame) stands on the site of the 1672 parish church built by the Sulpician order, which received a land grant in the settlement then known as Ville-Marie. The current church, however, was largely built from 1824 to 1829 and is in a soaring High Gothic style. While the basilica is not the cathedral for Montréal, it is a spiritual and cultural heart for the city’s residents and a site of many significant events—from the state funeral for Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau (for which his son Justin Trudeau, who is the current prime minister, gave the eulogy) to the wedding of Céline Dion.
Beautiful Soul
Notre Dame has real soul. From the stain glass windows to the colorful altar, Notre Dame is a work of art. It is incredible to think about the time, energy, thought, and man-hours that was put in to create this amazing house of worship. Whether you are Catholic or not, do not skip Notre Dame while visiting Montreal.
Revive the Gothic
Montreal’s famed basilica is a major landmark and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. But don’t let that dissuade you from visiting; Notre-Dame is one of the world’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. The pipe organ is breathtaking, and even more impressive to hear than it is to look at. If you’re in town during the Christmas holiday season, it’s worth your time to take in a performance. Admission to the basilica is $5 Canadian, eh.
Technicolor Cathedral
Came here on a blustery day in February--too cold outside so we took refuge inside the empty cathedral. For such a grey day outdoors, the saturated colors of the church’s interiors were very welcome.
Carriage Ride by Montreal's Notre Dame at Night
You hear the clop clopping of horses pullling carriages over the cobblestones of Old Monteal all day and into the evening. Here one stopped in front of Montreal’s Notre Dame Basilica, lighted a brilliant blue. Inside they show an historical film about the structure, then dramatically reveal its ornately carved and artistically lit interior.
Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal
Ava Maria! This is definitely the mother of all cathedrals in Montreal. It is so ornate and peaceful inside, you can’t help but be awed by its beauty. No wonder Celine Dion got married here! Hat tip: the $5 admission can be used throughout the day. So if you come in and want to come back for the day you buy your ticket, you can.
Inside Notre Dame
I went back to Montreal for a quick weekend getaway ( I live in NYC) and while there I decided to go inside the Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montreal. And I’m so glad I did. This might be one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen. Stepping inside is truly breathtaking. I highly recommend visiting.
Spiritual Vibrancy
Montreal has several interesting cathedrals worth visiting. The most famous of which is in the heart of the old city, known for its magnificent alter and vivid decoration. So many bright colors give a sense of how massive the place is, with even more mini cathedrals behind the main hall.