St. Patrick's Basilica
Saint Patrick's Basilica is one of many beautiful churchs in Montreal
Montreal has a number of beautiful churches and basilicas and one of the most famous basilicas is Saint Patrick's Basilica. The basilica being named after Saint Patrick has historic links with the Irish community of Canada and is the oldest English speaking Roman Catholic church in Montreal.
The basilica is situated on René-Lévesque Boulevard in downtown Montreal and is worth the visit even if you have been to some of the other beautiful basilica's in the city. The architecture of Saint Patrick's Basilica is Gothic Revival unlike Saint Joseph's Oratory which is Italian renaissance. The Basilica was designed by P. L. Morin and Father Felix Martin and is a true master piece of the Gothic Revival style. Notably inside the church you will see a beautiful mosaic work on the ceiling and stained glass with much attention and detail going into the woodwork inside the basilica. The choir which performs selected services is made up of volunteers from the congregation with each section being led by professional singers. Mass takes place on a daily basis and is led by various of the parish's priests. There are also devotional services held weekly. Any Catholic, Irish or otherwise, feeling a little homesick should definitely pay the Basilica a visit to get a taste of home.
Not only is it a place of interest from a religious and an architectural perspective but also from a historical perspective especially for Irish Canadians living in Quebec. The Basilica has been named a National History Site of Canada. The Basilica now has the honorary title of minor basilica which was promoted by Pope John Paul II.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoSt. Patrick's Basilica Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Address: 460 Boul. René-Lévesque Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Z 1A7, Canada
Phone: (514) 866-7379
Official Website: St. Patrick's Basilica
St. Patrick's Basilica Reviews
Rated out of 5
Visited the oldest and continuous English speaking Parish in Montréal - Saint Patrick’s Basilica ⛪️ Saint Patrick’s Church ⛪️ opened its doors on March 17th, 1847, to serve the needs of the growing Irish ☘️ community in Montréal. The Basilica is built in the Gothic Revival style on a promontory overlooking the city of Montréal (Pictures attached). Its spire could be seen by all. Over the years the city grew in all direction with the result that the Church is now surrounded by modern-day Montréal. Saint Patrick’s was raised to the status of Minor Basilica by His Holiness, Pope John-Paul ll in 1989. The Basilica is designated as a National Historic site of Canada 🇨🇦 in 1996 and a Monument National of Quebec in 1985. It is worth visiting this historic place, we did spend hours to embrace the architecture and design of the Basilica, and listened to the Church organ played by an Organist (Videos attached).
Singhania Group - 3 months ago
This might have been my favorite church in Montreal. There's exquisite wainscotting throughout. There's over 150 portraits of saints. All of our children's patrons were here. The new mass was lovely. Jesus showed up. There's a reliquary in one of the confessionals with a great number of relics, which was a real treat to see them pray with.
Karl G - 4 months ago
Gorgeous and free to enter! Loved the stain glass windows and intricate details. Note, they have mass at 5pm on Saturday (anyone can join) but Google Maps says it’s closed at 5pm
C Lau - 2 months ago
A beautiful church well worth the visit. We visited during midday mass so sat an soaked up the service which was in English. It was nice to visit a church that doesn’t charge an entry fee.
Bob Haigh - 2 months ago
I was part of a Pilgrimage to this gorgeous Basilica! You can feel the presence of Our Lord, Mother Mary in this Holy place.
The artwork is breathtaking as is the architecture!!
I would recommend a visit to EVERYONE! You will not be the same.
Cristina Kubaska - 3 weeks ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 2 - Orange | Square-Victoria | 3 Minutes |
How to get to St. Patrick's Basilica by Metro
By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Station Square-Victoria and exit to Belmont Street. Walk straight south down Cote du Beaver Hall (the street to your left as you exit) and then turn left at Gauchetiere Street West. The basilica is set back from the park and steps just ahead on your left.
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Accommodations near St. Patrick's Basilica:
Photo Gallery
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Interior of Saint Patrick's Basilica in Montreal cc licensed photo by Mike Durkin
