Notre Dame Basilica
If you appreciate beautiful historical buildings and architecture the Basilica of Notre-Dame is a must see
One of Montreal's most impressive historical sites is the Basilica of Notre-Dame. Referred to as a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, both the outside and inside of the Basilica are displays of architectural ingenuity.
The Basilica built between 1824-1829 is the work of James O'Donnell an architect from New York and then later (1870-1900) Cure' Victor Rousselot and Victor Bourgeau. When standing outside the Basilica looking up you will see the twin towers looming over you in all their majesty. The western tower is called 'Perseverance' and the eastern tower called 'Temperance'. Each tower is home to the church bells of the Basilica. Perseverance houses the great bell nick-named 'Jean- Baptiste' whilst Temperance houses 10 smaller bells.
The inside of the Basilica is impressive with stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, sculptures, statues and paintings. But what is even more impressive are the fine details which have gone into creating the Gothic style of the church. The columns, the organ, the church pews, the banisters, the pulpit and the altarpiece are all meticulously and beautifully crafted. The use of rich colours makes one feel as if you are in a spring garden or in some heavenly realm. At night time you can also experience a sound and light show within the Basilica which is bound to make your experience even more so memorable.
In addition to the sound and light show, the Basilica of Notre-Dame also hosts many concerts by various orchestras and other music groups. Admission to these concerts does vary from the admission to the actual Basilica, so be sure to check the website for more details on admission for the concerts. In order to be able to truly experience the majesty of a service at the Basilica, one must attend one of the religious events held there. The traditional organ is played and a traditional church choir leads the worship.
To get a true sense of the history of Montreal you have to visit the basilica for what would a visit to a French city in Canada be without a visit to its Sacré-Cœur.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Various admission fees apply, see the website for the full fee schedule.Notre Dame Basilica Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 – 4:00 PM
Address: 110 R. Notre Dame O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1T1, Canada
Phone: (514) 842-2925
Official Website: Notre Dame Basilica
Notre Dame Basilica Reviews
Rated out of 5
First and foremost, this church is a must-see attraction in Montreal. Although one of its towers is currently undergoing restoration, its exterior is quite impressive. However, the true marvel lies within its interior, which is awe-inspiring and comparable to some of the finest churches I have visited in Europe. Additionally, I highly recommend attending the light show called AURA, as it is well worth the cost. Therefore, I strongly encourage you to visit this historic church during your stay in Montreal.
Arkady Khazin - a week ago
Words cannot describe how majestic it is! Although it’s smaller than the one in Paris but as the biggest Notre-Dame in North American it’s worth the title! The interior is gorgeous with very fine touching and paintings. Consider spend around 1 hours to visit it and it’s better to buy the AURA light show together. It’s prohibited to take pic or video in light show but trust me you won’t be regret after seeing it yourself!
Zhaohan Xu - 2 weeks ago
Our family had an amazing time at the AURA event. The kids absolutely loved it, and it was such a unique experience for all of us. The combination of lights and sound was impressive, and the kids were fascinated by the history and craftsmanship of the basilica. I highly recommend it
Karwan Akram - a week ago
Very impressive architecture, woodwork, painting. This is an amazing Cathedral; I could spend hours sitting and walking here and enjoy every little detail and not get bored at all. The chapel in the back of the main cathedral is worth a visit, too. I recommend buying tickets in advance if you don’t want to wait in the lineup.
Right now there’s Aura ongoing, weekdays at 6pm. I recommend buying ticket a few days in advance as they get sold-out.
Alaleh - FoodyTO - 2 months ago
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is an absolute masterpiece and a must-visit for anyone in the city. Despite the slightly expensive ticket price and occasional crowds, the experience is well worth it. The basilica’s stunning architecture and breathtaking interior are awe-inspiring, leaving you in complete admiration. Every detail, from the vibrant stained glass windows to the intricate woodwork, showcases incredible craftsmanship. The surrounding buildings add to the charm, making the entire area a beautiful place to explore. Whether you're a history buff or just appreciate beauty, this iconic landmark offers an unforgettable experience.
Kenneth Lai - a month ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 2 - Orange | Place-d'Armes | 4 Minutes |
How to get to Notre Dame Basilica by Metro
By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Place-d'Armes; exit and go right (south) on St. Urbain Street. You will see the Basilica straight ahead as you approach.
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Photo Gallery
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Some of the incrediblily beautiful details inside Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica cc licensed photo by Ryan Hyde -
Photo Credit: Nick Fewings 5 Million Views - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Gunn Shots ! - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: kasio69 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: szeke - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: archer10 (Dennis) - cc license via Flickr
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