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Place d'Armes: Montreal's Historic Heart

Discover Montreal's history and architectural diversity at Place d'Armes, a vibrant square in the heart of Old Montreal.

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Place d'Armes, a historic square in Old Montreal, has been a central gathering place since the 17th century. Surrounded by diverse architectural landmarks, it showcases Montreal's evolution through the centuries.

A brief summary to Place d’Armes

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around the square to admire the diverse architectural styles of the surrounding buildings.
  • Visit the Bank of Montreal Museum to learn about Canada's oldest banking institution.
  • Explore the underground city (RESO) accessible from Place-d'Armes metro station.
  • Enjoy a horse-drawn calèche tour of Old Montreal, departing from Place d'Armes.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Place d'Armes is easily accessible via the Place-d'Armes metro station on the Orange Line. From the station, follow signs to Place d'Armes. Several bus lines also stop near the square. A single trip fare is $3.75 CAD.

  • Walking

    Place d'Armes is located in Old Montreal and is easily walkable from many nearby attractions. From the Old Port, walk west along Rue de la Commune, then turn north onto Place d'Youville, continuing onto Rue Saint-Pierre to reach Place d'Armes. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Montreal. A short taxi ride from downtown Montreal to Place d'Armes will cost approximately $11 CAD plus tip. Note that fares may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

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Discover more about Place d’Armes

Place d'Armes, located in the heart of Old Montreal, is a historic square with roots dating back to 1693. Originally named Place de la Fabrique, it was renamed in 1721 when it became a site for military events. For a time, it served as a hay and wood market before being transformed into a Victorian garden. The square is framed by significant buildings that reflect different eras of Montreal's history. These include the Notre-Dame Basilica, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, and the Saint-Sulpice Seminary, the oldest building in Montreal. Other notable structures include the Bank of Montreal head office, the New York Life Building (Montreal's first skyscraper), the Aldred Building (an Art Deco gem), and the modern 500 Place d'Armes. The Maisonneuve Monument, erected in 1895, stands at the center of Place d'Armes. This monument pays tribute to Paul de Chomedey, the founder of Montreal. Place d'Armes remains a vibrant public space, attracting locals and tourists alike. It serves as a departure point for calèches, offering horse-drawn tours of Old Montreal, and is often populated by street vendors and flower merchants.

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