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Notre-Dame Basilica: A Gothic Revival Masterpiece

Discover Montreal's spiritual heart: a breathtaking Gothic Revival basilica with a rich history and stunning interior.

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The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, stands as a testament to the city's rich religious history and cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Old Montreal, its intricate interior, adorned with vibrant colors and exquisite craftsmanship, draws millions of visitors annually.

A brief summary to Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Local tips

  • Attend the AURA light show for a mesmerizing multimedia experience that brings the basilica's architecture to life.
  • Arrive early for Mass, as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and it's a popular destination for both worship and tourism.
  • Take a self-guided tour to explore the basilica's 24 points of interest, including its stained-glass windows and the Casavant organ.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting, as it is an active place of worship.
  • Check the basilica's website for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, events, and tour schedules.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Notre-Dame Basilica is easily accessible by public transport. From anywhere in Montreal, take the Metro Orange Line to Place-d'Armes station. Upon exiting the station, walk south on Saint-Urbain Street, and the basilica will be directly ahead, facing Place d'Armes. A single metro fare is $3.75 CAD. Alternatively, several bus routes, including 55, 35, and 150, stop near the basilica. Bus fares are also $3.75 CAD, payable in exact change.

  • Walking

    Located in the heart of Old Montreal, the Notre-Dame Basilica is easily reachable on foot from many nearby attractions. From the Old Port, walk west along de la Commune Street, then turn north onto Saint-Sulpice Street. The basilica will be on your left, at the corner of Notre-Dame Street West. Walking from Montreal City Hall takes approximately 5 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to reach the Notre-Dame Basilica. From downtown Montreal, a taxi ride typically costs between $13 and $16 CAD and takes approximately 6 minutes, but this can vary depending on traffic. A ride-sharing service may offer a similar fare, but it's best to check the app for current pricing. Be sure the driver knows to take you to 110 Notre-Dame Street West, at the corner of Saint Sulpice Street.

  • Driving

    Driving to Notre-Dame Basilica is possible, but parking in Old Montreal can be challenging. Several public parking lots are available within walking distance, particularly on Saint-Antoine Street and the surrounding area. One option is the indoor parking lot at 238 Saint-Jacques Street, about a 4-minute walk away. Parking rates vary but can be as low as $4.00 CAD per hour on regular evenings. Be aware of parking regulations and restrictions, especially regarding street parking. Expect to pay higher rates during events.

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Discover more about Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Located in the historic district of Old Montreal, the Notre-Dame Basilica is a sight to behold. This magnificent minor basilica of the Catholic Church is considered a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Built between 1824 and 1829, it replaced an earlier church that had become too small for the growing congregation. The basilica's design was entrusted to James O'Donnell, an Irish-American architect from New York City, who drew inspiration from Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Stepping inside, visitors are immediately struck by the dramatic interior. The vaults are a deep blue, decorated with golden stars, and the rest of the sanctuary is adorned in blues, azures, reds, purples, silver, and gold. Hundreds of intricate wooden carvings and religious statues fill the space. Unlike traditional churches, the stained-glass windows depict scenes from Montreal's religious history rather than biblical stories. The basilica also houses a Casavant Frères pipe organ, dating back to 1891, boasting four keyboards, 99 stops, and over 7,000 pipes. The basilica's history is intertwined with Montreal's development. The Sulpicians, who arrived in Ville-Marie (now Montreal) in 1657, commissioned the basilica. Over time, the interior was redecorated under the direction of Montreal architect Victor Bourgeau, who drew inspiration from Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. A fire in 1978 destroyed the Sacré-Cœur Chapel, which was later rebuilt with a modern bronze altarpiece by Quebec sculptor Charles Daudelin. Today, Notre-Dame Basilica welcomes millions of visitors each year and remains one of the most visited monuments in North America.

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