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Notre-Dame Basilica

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Mary Porcher
Mary Porcher
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
8
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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

Basilica of Notre Dame

  • March 19, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Binky from Troy, Michigan
Basilica of Notre Dame

This is an absolutely beautiful church, riviling many I saw in Europe. Well worth the CAN$2 admission fee. Try to get on a free tour so you can spend less time reading the brochure and more time looking around. Don't forget to go to the back of the church to see the smaller, but also exquisite chapel.

From journal Long Weekend in Montreal

Basilica of Notre Dame

  • November 13, 2000
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Mary Porcher from New Haven, Connecticut
Basilica of Notre Dame

When we first walked in, I was truly taken aback by the beauty of the alter area. It wasn't necessarily all of the icons, but the unique lighting that grabbed my attention. There were deep blues, reds, and greens in the background of the crucifix and marble Biblical icons. We were greeted by two ladies who gave us the student admission price of $1 and pointed us to start walking around the left of the pews.

I've seen many cathedrals and abbeys in the UK and Europe, but this one was definitely different. There was a lot of color on the ceiling, which strangely reminded me of the ceiling of Grand Central Station in NY, a bit tacky. The floor was a bit tacky also, with bright teal tiles that went along the main walkways of tourists. There were three wraparound balconies which, unfortunately, blocked the overall view and effect of the stained glass windows along the walls. The Basilica is worth seeing, if for nothing else, for that fascinating lighting. It was a disappointment overall, though, after seeing cathedrals and abbeys in other countries.

From journal Incredible Weekend for Two in Montreal

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