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Notre-Dame Basilica

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Mary Porcher
Mary Porcher
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4 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Notre-Dame Basilica

  • April 22, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by ssullivan from Atlanta, Georgia
Notre-Dame Basilica

The grandest building in Vieux-Montréal, if not the entire city, is the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, an amazing structure constructed in just five years between 1824 and 1829. For the next few decades, this was the largest religious building in North America, until it was surpassed by New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Compared to some of the mega-churches that exist in the larger American cities today, the Basilica may not seem all that large by modern standards. But in the third decade of the 19th Century, the Basilica was an incredible symbol of French Catholicism in a city that was becoming increasingly more Anglophone and Protestant.

While the exterior of the Gothic-Revival Basilica is impressive, it’s really rather average. The structure’s interior is where the real beauty is found. Walking into the dimly lit Basilica, visitors’ eyes are immediately drawn to the stunning carvings, gilded columns, and the enormous altar, all dramatically bathed in theatrical lighting that highlights the sanctuary’s deep hues of cobalt blue, green, red, and gold. This striking interior is the work of architect Victor Bourgeau, who transformed the originally stern interior into the current design between 1874 and 1880. Inspired by Paris’s Ste-Chapelle, Bourgeau designed an interior creates the illusion of a night sky, with a deep blue vaulted ceiling adorned with hundreds, if not thousands, of hand-painted gilded stars. This "sky" is broken by three large rose windows in the ceiling, through which natural light is filtered through multi-colored panes of glass into the sanctuary. Surrounding the sanctuary are a series of wood columns, carved by hand, and adorned with gilt tops, that support the two balconies that run the sanctuary’s full length. About halfway between the narthex and the altar is the graceful circular pulpit, reached by a spiral staircase. At the staircase’s base, several carvings of prophets can be found. Turning around, toward the narthex, visitors will see some of the approximately 7,000 pipes that comprise the Basilica’s four manual, 97 stop Casavant-Frères organ, parts of which date to 1891.

As beautiful as the rest of the sanctuary is, the real highlight is the massive altar. Centered around the crucifix are nearly life-size sculptures of Biblical figures, including Moses, Abraham, Aaron, St. Peter, St. Paul, and Mary. All of these are centered around the theme of the Eucharist, with angels surrounding them. All of this is dramatically lit from behind, and cast against a wall of deep cobalt blue, giving the altar an almost heavenly glow. It’s almost impossible to take it all in at once, because there is so much detail to the scene.

There is a nominal admission charge to enter the Basilica, but it is well worth the small donation to witness this incredible place in person. No matter what your faith or personal beliefs are, it is almost impossible not to feel the presence of something greater than mankind here.

For more information on tours and services, see the Basilica’s website.

From journal Weekend in Montréal

Notre Dame Basilica

  • March 10, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Lori Lynn from ottawa, Ontario
This richly ornate church is the jewel of Old Montreal. Used for state funerals and weddings, its delicately painted frescoes, walls, and ceilings inspire the most disspirited soul to rejoice. Pay for the tour, it's worth it. This is the site of a most spectacular Christmas Mass and was once home to the Christmas recital of Handel's Messiah (it may still be sung there). If you get the opportunity to go to these take advantage of it. Both are by ticket only and are normally sold in October and November through Ticketmaster.

From journal Montreal, the Paris of North America

Notre Dame Basilica

  • June 22, 2002
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Rachelle from North Salem, New York
This Magnificent stucture was built in 1829. It is probably one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen; it is simply breathtaking.

There is a small intresting museum next to the chapel dealing with the history of the church and Roman Catholicism.

From journal Montreal Grand Prix Weekend

Editor Pick

Basilica Notre Dame

  • April 1, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by funkipickle from Ystradgynlais, United Kingdom
Basilica Notre Dame

Don't miss the Basilica Notre Dame. Designed by Irish architect James O'Donnell, the Basilica is simply breathtaking. The main body of the Basilica is bathed in blue light and 23 carat gold leaf stars which adorn the domed ceiling. The altar focuses on the apostels, the sacrifice of Jesus and the crowning of Mary. If you sit down in one of the pews you will notice that the seating is inclined so that the congregation can see/ hear the mass. At the end of each pew you can find detailed carvings of the apostles.

Situated at the back of the Basilica is an organ which is made up of 7,000 pipes and simply knocks your socks off when it can be heard.

Walking to the front of the Basilica you can find a doorway leading to the Sacred Heart Chapel (Chapelle du Sacre Coeur). This was added to the main Basilica in 1888 to 1891. Unfortunately the chapel was destroyed by a fire on December 7th 1978. It was reconstruted between 1979 and 1982.At the front of the chapel you can see a 32 piece bronze sculpture which was made in England depicting the four stages of life.

A tour of the Basilica can be taken in French and English and costs $2.00. It is informative and gives you a brief history. Souvenirs can be purchased from a gift shop next door(turn left as you leave the building).

Mass is held Monday to Friday 7.30am, 12.15 and 5pm. Saturday 5pm and Sunday 8am, 11am (choir and organ), 12.30 and 5pm.

From journal Lonely Winter in Montreal?-Highly unlikely!

Editor Pick

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

  • April 14, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Jeffrey from Plano, Texas
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

This incredible church dates back to the 1820's when it was built, and its parishoners date back to the mid-1600's and the founding of the city.

The interior is awesome. There are wood handcarvings, stained glass, paintings, and sculptures that depict the story of the Bible, and an incredible blue ceiling with gold stars. In the rear of the church, they have a huge and beautiful organ (built in 1891) with over 7,000 pipes (I wish I could have heard it).

The acoustics inside are amazing. You can hear soft conversations throughout the place, which makes sense, since they didn't have microphones and loadspeakers when it was built.

Masses are held at 7:30am, 12:15pm, and 5pm on Monday through Friday, at 5pm on Saturday, and on Sunday at 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, and 5pm. Guided (in French and English) and self-guided tours are available when services are not being held, and included in the $2 CDN admission.

There is a Gift Shop adjacent to the church. I thought it was kind of tacky for it to be open on the Sunday of our visit.

From journal Downtown Montreal

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