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: NoAddress: 460 Boulevard René-Lévesque O, Montréal, QC H2Z 1A7, Canada
Phone: (514) 866-7379
Official Website: St. Patrick's Basilica
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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Reviews
Rated out of 5
An incredibly beautiful, majestic, serene church with gorgeous stained glass, built in 1847 to serve the Irish community in Montreal. Unlike some of the French Catholic churches, this one is less ornate, but still breath-takingly stunning and obviously built with a great deal of love for the community and reverence for God--the woodwork, the details, are humbling. There are guided tours--well worth it. A magnificent basilica.
Tessa Blanc - 6 days ago
An incredibly beautiful, majestic, serene church with gorgeous stained glass, built in 1847 to serve the Irish community in Montreal. Unlike some of the French Catholic churches, this one is less ornate, but still breath-takingly stunning and obviously built with a great deal of love for the community and reverence for God--the woodwork, the details, are humbling. There are guided tours--well worth it. A magnificent basilica.
If you wan't to see one of Montreal's many stunning Churches, this would be a good one to see. It has everything you would expect but it isn't a very crowded one, so you can go in peace and take your time wandering through building admiring the Gothic Revival architecture. You're allowed to take photos too which is a bonus for any tourist. The reason for 4 stars is that there are other Churches in Montreal that would take your breath away.
Ricardo Benni - 15 days ago
If you wan't to see one of Montreal's many stunning Churches, this would be a good one to see. It has everything you would expect but it isn't a very crowded one, so you can go in peace and take your time wandering through building admiring the Gothic Revival architecture.
You're allowed to take photos too which is a bonus for any tourist.
The reason for 4 stars is that there are other Churches in Montreal that would take your breath away.
We wanted to go inside Saint Patrick’s but it was closed when we got there. I am sure the rating would have been much higher. We did go to Mary Queen of the World which was outstanding.
Craig Taylor - 1 month ago
We wanted to go inside Saint Patrick’s but it was closed when we got there. I am sure the rating would have been much higher. We did go to Mary Queen of the World which was outstanding.
Sony Mathew - 1 month ago
Jay Shriver - 5 months ago
Video
Photo Gallery
Interior of Saint Patrick's Basilica in Montreal cc licensed photo by Mike Durkin
