Basilica/Church, Montreal

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I wanted to visit Notre Dame because I've seen Notre Dame de Paris and wanted to see the resemblance (and also because it was portrayed in "Heroes" ^^). I liked that while it has the Gothic details that the one in Paris has, it looks a little more castle like. I can't quite put my finger on it but I liked it :) I couldn't see the interior because there was a wedding the day we were there.

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The church's architecture is among the most dramatic in the world; its interior is grand and colourful, its ceiling is coloured deep blue and decorated with golden stars, and the rest of the sanctuary is a polychrome of blues, azures, reds, purples, silver, and gold. It is filled with hundreds of intricate wooden carvings and several religious statues. Unusual for a church, the stained glass windows along the walls of the sanctuary do not depict biblical scenes, but rather scenes from the religious history of Montreal. It also has a Canadian-built Casavant Frères pipe organ, which comprises four keyboards, 97 stops, almost 7000 individual pipes and a pedal board.

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I’ve seen enough cathedrals and churches to last me a lifetime. Wasn’t too keen on going here, but figured it was only C$4 so what the heck. Wow, was I wrong. Absolutely stunning inside. On top of it all, a group of about 20 violin and cello players were practicing for an upcoming concert, and were playing while I was there. Definitely one of the highlights of Montreal.

This building, finished about 1829. Most of the interior design finished around 1880. The pews are solid, thick wood, and all hand engraved with fancy designs on the ends. A spiral staircase of wood comes down the side of the inside from the 2nd level, and looks great.

Various concerts & musical performances are held on a regular basis, I wish I had attended one of these while here. 20 minute guided tours are available in an array of languages. Masses on Sunday at 8, 9:30, 11 and 5pm.

C$4 (I think) NOT part of museum pass.

This may look like just another church, but it is more than that. It is a famous place for pilgrims, as it is believed the founder, Brother André, cures those who are ill.
At first glance, the steps to the church seem to be daunting. But it is worth the walk and gives you a chance to appreciate the scenery around you. It is very inspiring.

This massive church sitting atop Mont Royal is probably one of the most visited places in the city. It sits high on a hill with many stairs leading up. Local custom says that if you want something badly enough, you can kneel on each step and pray until you get to the top. Definitely not for the faint at heart.

I did not go inside, it was merely a photo stop for us. However, drive by at night - it is an amazing sight.

Built between 1823 and 1829, this vast Gothic Revival church is renowned for its polychrome interior and rich ornamentation. Its treasures include its organ (1891), one of the largest in North America, and its remarkably carved high altar and pulpit. Don't miss the Sacred Heart Chapel, with its linden woodwork and bronze reredos, where Celine Dion married.
Many concerts and organ recitals are held at the Basilica.

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Large stories we heard from our guide, about this 19th century church.

Problems with structure and steeple weight, sinking soil, and finally the construction of the underground and neighbor tower, that forced to hold the entire building in the air, while excavating below it. Well, don't expect me to keep the details. They are available at wikipedia, with more accuracy than the guide's coloured descriptions.

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The Notre-Dame Basilica is Montreal's landmark church. Many famous people have had their funerals here, including former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and hockey legend Maurice "Rocket" Richard were held. This is also where Celine Dion married her manager Rene Angelil.

The Notre-Dame Basilica was built in the 1820s to replace the original, now-demolished Notre-Dame church that had become too small to accomodate Montreal's worshippers. The East and West towers, which were part of the original plans but only added some 20 years later, are called "Temperance" and "Perseverance" (because of its 279 steps?), respectively.

Despite its historical and architectural significance, the Basilica is not an historical monument. This is because the owners of the church (the Fabrique de la Paroisse de Notre-Dame) do not want the state to meddle in their private affairs.

The church is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A minimum contribution of $4 is charged at the entrance. There is also a light show called "Et la lumiere fut" ("And then there was light"), which costs $10, but I have never seen it.