Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal

One of Montreal’s most delightful architectural and cultural constructions is the Notre Dame Basilica – a huge Catholic church situated in the historic Old Montreal. The basilica, with its stunning Gothic features, can trace its roots back to the late 17 th Century, and today offers visitors and worshippers alike a world of peace and delight. Besides regular prayer services, the Notre Dame Basilica also offers visitors the chance to take part in cultural activities throughout the year.

History

The town of Ville-Marie, now known as Montreal, was first inhabited by a Roman Catholic Order in 1657, and the group quickly set about building a parish 15 years later. In 1824, realizing the need for a bigger place of worship, the Catholics commissioned the Irish-American New Yorker, James O’Donnel, himself a Protestant, to design a new church. O’Donnel, a keen supporter of the Gothic Revival architectural movement, set about designing the new building along the style of this period. Between 1830 and 1879, work on the sanctuary, towers and interior were completed. A more intimate sanctuary, the Chapelle du Sacre Couer, was built behind the larger basilica and completed towards the end of the 19 th Century.

Unfortunately, in 1978, arsonists destroyed much of the original Chapelle du Sacre Couer and it was rebuilt using original drawings and photographs. The new chapel opened its doors in 1982.

Papal Blessing

When Pope John Paul II visited Montreal in 1982, the church was raised to the status of minor basilica - an important church that has been awarded special ceremonial rites by a pope. A Papal Mass for children was held in the Basilica and since then, people have flocked to enjoy the unique religious status of this place of worship. Each year over 100 marriages are held in the basilica, perhaps the most famous being the vows exchanged between Canada's popular performer, Celine Dion and her husband, Rene Angelil in 1994. Around 120 baptisms are held in the basilica annually.

Architecture

The Notre Dame Basilica de Montreal was the first Gothic Revival church to be built in Canada, and, on its completion, was considered the largest church in North America. The entire building sends a message of drama and reverence, while its interior is simply breathtaking. Color and light abound, with golden stars set within a dark blue ceiling to depict the glory of Heaven, and the rest of the sanctuary decorated in regal, dramatic colors such as reds, purple and gold. The stained glass windows depict the religious history of Montreal, while literally hundreds of carefully carved statues and carvings decorate the rest of the interior.

Cultural Events

Music lovers are always attracted to the fine performances put on at the basilica throughout the year. Orchestras perform in the church during the summer months, while the Montreal Symphony Orchestra has also performed on a number of occasions, taking advantage of the acoustics and atmosphere presented in the basilica

Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal

With its dramatic Gothic architecture, stunning interior, interesting history and perfect preservation, the Notre Dame Basilica de Montreal is a definite must-see for anyone visiting the city.

Location:
Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal
110 Notre-Dame Street West
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Phone: (514)-842-2925

Click here to visit Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal official website.